Completed Everlasting Summer - Soviet Waifus, It's Heaven [NSFW]

[abnaxus]

Not sure if I'll have any sanity left for more but I can try to LP this bitch to 100%.

 

[Zdzisiu]

What? No victory fuck. This game is ass, so much potential wasted.

There is only one fuck scene per girl in this game. I guess they wanted to be serious about that but their writing sucks too much. And the protagonist is such a retarded cunt, he doesn't even deserve to get laid.

Time to do it all over again, must unlock 100% CG gallery.

I'll try to cover two more endings that are at least interesting codexian. I'll also need one good ending for that, and man do those suck. Not sure if I'll have any sanity left for more but I can try to LP this bitch to 100%. At least this thing is short and most stuff is shared between routes.

You are a man of great endurance if you gonna LP all of the inane endings and shit, really, Im not gonna pay for your medication after its done.

 

[Idiott]

I will endure. In enduring, I'll grow strong.

 

[Modron]

I am sure RK47 thought that as well sometime into his Shira Oka LP.

 

[Baron Dupek]

Why you get Completed tag when ending sux.
Ye, I'm bitter cause I don't have one in my lp...

On serious note - for the glory of codexia, other endings.

 

[Idiott]

Alright, let's start this up with Alisa's good end (since I didn't have to replay the whole thing for that and just had to not grab the book from her hand):

Spoiler

Staying on guard...

Curiosity killed a cat.

~ Anyway, it's Alisa - that means it could quickly turn into a total mess, plus I still have some ingredients to collect. ~

Well, I'll come later...

Alisa left the library without looking at me.
It got me thinking.

~ What this book could be about if she was so ashamed about it? ~
~ Ashamed Alisa is something out of ordinary by itself... But Alisa, ashamed about a book... ~
~ But what's the point in guessing now – there is no way to find anything out. ~

And now, to the endings. Spoiler tag extravaganza: I've spoiler-tagged everything that you've already read during the first playthrough, so you don't have to read this shit twice. Last day and epilogue are separate for convenience.

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler

Or maybe it weren't people but fuzzy black blots with hellish landscape on the background.
I ran... ran, stumbling over something, having no air to breathe.
My whole essence was overtaken by primal fear and terror.
And then a memory lapse...

...

A terrible taste in my mouth, pains all over body and a severe headache – it seems someone was drinking hard yesterday...
After coming to my senses, somehow I started to recall the events of last night.
I believe there was a bottle of vodka which we happily emptied with Alisa together...
I tried to stand up, but something was blocking my left arm.
It was peacefully snoring Alisa.
Naked...

Everything that happened, returned to my mind.
Fear was quickly replaced by a feeling of euphoria.
I lay down imposingly on the bed, enjoying a beautiful hungover morning.
Some time later Alisa woke up.

Good morning!

She gave me a blank look for a couple of seconds and then jumped up shouting:

You! You!

The joys of drunk sex: seeing who is in your bed in the morning

Me what?

Realizing that she's a little naked, Alisa snatched the blanket from me and wrapped herself up.

Yesterday you...

She hissed.

I was drunk!

Like me, what can we do...

Alisa was furiously looking at me, but then calmed down and sat beside.

Alright, what happens happens...

You sure?

At least it wasn't Shurik or Electronik, right?

I got up and tried to hug her.

Don't...

She whispered, blushing.

Why?

Because...

Alisa started to spin her head hectically.

Because it's four o'clock already!

And what? Don't tell me you're late somewhere?

Everyone will leave without us!

Leave where?

Today is the last day!

The last day of what?

I asked, completely confused.

The last day of the session!

What?!

A hangover that seemed to have already passed a while ago, made a sharp comeback.

Don't tell me you didn't know?

Asked Alisa in surprise.

So, you did know it.

Well, yes... But I've forgotten it somehow.

And what should we do now?

Actually it wasn't the main thing that I was concerned about.

~ If today is the last day then everyone will go somewhere. So one can get out of this camp somehow! ~

Well, I have no idea.

Maybe we can still make it!

I jumped out of the bed and started dressing quickly.
It was difficult as coordination was badly disturbed by yesterday's lavish libation.

What are you waiting for?

Alisa didn't reply but started dressing too.

Alright, so: Ulyana managed to magically pack all her shit without waking them, then apparently there was no head count at all before leaving because fuck those losers who don't make it, and on top of that nobody noticed two people missing on the bus?

Let's go to the camp leader's cabin!

...

We checked the entire camp and found that we were alone here.

...

I still felt sick but now it turned out that I was to solve serious problems.

And where could they go?

Well, to the district centre, I guess.

Do you know where it is?

Approximately.

Is it possible to reach it on foot?

Don't know.

And how long would it take on a bus?

A couple of hours.

Quickly I reckoned how much it is in kilometers.
Taking into consideration quality of Soviet motor-car industry and Soviet roads one could presume that it is quite possible to reach it on foot.
Providing that Alisa knows the exact direction.
More over, in my situation it's not easy to decide on such steps.
But we can't stay here as well. Alone, without food in a deserted pioneer camp...

Without food? So they packed all the supplies from cantine too, and all the staff went away. In the middle of summer. Clearly only one group comes to camps liek that. This whole situation makes no sense. But hey, it's the world of magic bus so whatever.

In real life it will be a definitely bad idea and I had no other choice but to take everything happening as a reality.

In real life bullshit like that wouldn't happen.

Let's go.

Where?

To the district centre!

Are you mad?!

You suggest staying here?

Sure! They'll notice that we’re missing and will return.

There is one road leading from this camp, so it doesn't even matter.

Don't you think it's odd that they haven't noticed it during departure?

Well, yeah, but...

She started to think.

But to go somewhere all alone...

But you said you knew the direction!

I do...

She agreed without confidence.

So what’s there to think about!? Maybe we'll meet some local buses on the way.

~ I don't really believe in it myself but if there is an exit from this camp this idea seems quite real. ~

I don't know... As you say...

She prattled confusedly.

Then start packing your stuff. Meeting here in half an hour.

I ran towards Olga Dmitrievna's cabin.

I tossed warm clothes I was about to go when an interesting thought crossed my mind.

~ What for may I need it, actually? ~
~ It doesn't seem to be late summer so what's the point in dragging unnecessary weight along? Especially since I don't know how far am I to walk. ~

After reasoning that one can survive such weather without coat and warm boots I shoved my cellphone with dying battery into the pocket and went to the square.

Hangover seemed to ease a little so I could better focus on the previous night.

~ What does she really mean to me? ~
~ Was it just a drunk sex or something more? ~

I doubt any girl would want 'more' with you.

~ Naturally I can't speak for Alisa. It's difficult to speak even for myself. ~

I began to remember my acquaintance with her, how she teased and mocked me at first, her arrogance and self-confidence...
It was more than compensated by tenderness of last night.

~ It was already clear that she is not the person she wants to seem. But what kind of person is real Alisa? ~
~ And do I have any feelings towards her? I do feel sympathy, sort of affection but is there something more? ~

If you have to think about it this hard, I'd say it's unlikely.

Here, take it.

She held out a huge backpack to me.

What's this?

I asked skeptically.

My stuff.

Why so little?

As much as I could fit.

Look... We don't know how long we are to go. Maybe you'll take only them most necessary things?

First you're surprised there's so little of it and now you want her to leave some of that?

So what, I'm to throw it away? Leave it here?

Alisa sniffed.
Firstly, I couldn't understand why does she have that much stuff and secondly, what so valuable is there.

Are you still drunk, princess?

But the honorable duty of carrying it is mine, isn't it?

Of course!

She smiled archly.
I evaluated how much could it weight.

~ About ten kilos, I guess. I can carry it for a few kilometers but not further than that... ~

You do understand that we'll not go far away with it.

Well, we'll do our best...

You mean I can throw out something later?

We’ll see.

She answered with her eyes flashing slyly.

Okay, I'm taking you at your word.

~ After all, as I carry it, I've got a full right to throw togs out of it. ~

And so our way began.

I would never think that I posses such a stamina.
Either the backpack was handy to carry or last night’s exercises trained my muscles.
I stopped on the roadside and thrown Alisa's belongings on the ground.

She was clearly resented.

Don't you want to carry it yourself?

Of course not!

If so, I must rest.

Naturally, the most rational decision was to get rid of the most stuff, keeping only the most necessary things but I couldn't bring myself to such drastic measures.

You are keeping silence for the whole time...

Alisa was looking at the receding into the distance road with an empty glance.

What is there to talk about?

Don't know... But you behave as if noting happened.

She can't believe she had sex with you of all the people I guess.

Did something happen?

She asked absent-mindedly.

Well... You know...

Got enough rest? Then let's go!

Alisa began to quickly move away from me.

Hey, wait a minute!

I shouldered the backpack and ran after her.

So it's a backpack that weighs 10 kg, meaning you carry it on your back, and you have problems with that load? What the fuck.

...

We’ve already been going in silence for some time with Alisa slightly ahead and me behind.
I had no idea how to start conversation.
She seems to be giving an obvious hint that the last night events were one big mistake.
At least, seemed to me...
Though from my point of view what happened was to happen.

Last few days in the camp I was definitely attracted to Alisa. And I believe she was attracted to me as well.

~ In that case what's wrong? ~

Maybe if you didn't act like hissy cunt all the time around her...

~ Maybe she doesn't want it to be just a one night stand? ~

You know...

If I did something wrong...

You did nothing wrong.

But...

It just turned out this way.

So it was just something accidental?

I haven't said that.

Then what have you said?

Without getting a straight answer I began to lose my temper and so raised my voice.

There are just hints, ambiguities! What about straightforwardness, sincerity? At first you weren’t like that!

People tend to change...

She slowly paced forward.

Change? You call this a 'change'? You are completely different person now! Just like Lena, really.

Alisa stopped but didn't turn.

Don't compare... Got it?! Don't compare me with her!

She spoke quietly but there was rage in her voice.

What?..

I was somewhat taken aback.

You blame me for something but what about yourself? You constantly look at her! Even now you managed to see her in me...

Wait, what's...

Why did you come yesterday then? You could go to her! You did know...

Did know what?

Did know that I'm waiting for you!

It seems that this confession was a hard decision for Alisa but at first I gave little importance to her words.

Well, you yourself told me to come yesterday so I...

This isn't about it!

Alisa burst into sobs and covered her face with hands.
I was taken aback completely.
I still couldn't catch what she's hinting at so it was impossible to talk normally.

Sorry... Forgive me...

Stop apologizing!

But if I said something wrong or did...

So what’s the point in apologizing? If you already did... Better to behave yourself right from the very beginning.

But I don't know how!

Alisa looked up at me.
There was so much sorrow in her gaze that I couldn't bear it and turned away.
We stood like this for some time...
Soon she seemed to become herself.

Okay, forget it. Let's move on.

Naturally I couldn't forget it even if I wanted to but anyway I had nothing to say so I followed her in silence.

...

I was immersed in thoughts and even forgot about that heavy backpack on my back.
I had to say something, do something.

~ Alisa is expecting me to. At least a few words... ~
~ But what should I begin with? ~

I got used to everything in my life being quite simple.
Any work seemed already finished after just few steps.
Instead of a long way to my goal I was instantly starting to think about results, enjoying unachieved victory.
Moreover, I hardly could ever face such a situation in real world.
Obviously, for a long time I dreamed about a person for whom I wouldn't be indifferent.

But right now such person is in front of me and yet I feel nothing.
And I can't say to Alisa neither 'yes' nor 'no' just because I don't know what will happen next.
Meanwhile it got dark.

I guess, we should make a camp for the night.

Are you sure? And even if it is so, it's better to go during the daytime.

You know better...

She answered coldly.
We stopped at an edge of a wood.

Got anything useful in there?

I pointed at the backpack.

Have a look.

Mainly footwear and clothes were there, but on the bottom I found a magazine and a box of matches. Quite enough to light a fire.

Only now I finally realized that I finally got out of this damned camp.

~ I found no answers, on the contrary everything became even more tangled, as, I guess, I am to spend the rest of my life in this reality. ~
~ If I don't take into consideration all the sci-fi stuff, it's clear that I'm somewhere in the South in the end of 80s. ~
~ How, and above all – why I got here is not so important now as I have to somehow adapt. ~
~ And I ought to begin with the girl sitting by my side. ~

So what will we do when we reach the district centre?

Call the parents, what else!

Alisa smiled slightly. She had where to call.

And then?

And then it’s all over.

Meaning?

Well, we'll leave to our homes.

I wasn't really surprised by this answer, I rather didn't think about what will happen next.

And that's all?

What else is needed?

Don't know... After all that happened...

But nothing happened at all!

She told merrily.

What do you mean 'nothing happened'?

You have a chance to find Lena.

I was surprised but Alisa said it absolutely kindly.

Like I need Lena!

And I am sure. Let me decide for myself!

Yes? When did you start to do such silly things?

About...

I suddenly remembered my current age.

Seventeen years!

Well, well, admirable... But to be honest, I didn't notice anything like that.

What exactly you should have noticed?

That you are able to say something without a single doubt!

She was absolutely right on this point.

And what exactly you want to hear?

You know what!

That game of hints could last forever.

If you want to know what do I feel towards you, then I'll speak frankly – I don't know myself.

Which is exactly what I was talking about!

Alisa turned away.

What can I do, if that's the truth!

And what can I do?

I don't ask anything of you!

Yes? Are you sure?

Sure...

I answered after a while.

And what were you doing all seven days in the camp?

What was I doing?

Doing all in your power to not get laid. And 'searching for answers'. And pissing us all off.

You were asking, weren't you?

What was I asking? For what reason? Can't you talk in the way that one can understand? Mind-readers are on vacations!

If you wanted you would understand...

I can't understand without explanation!

OK, it's an idle talk...

Talking with this guy vs talking to angry woman. Which is better and why?

No way!

I lost my temper completely and so I jumped up, ran up to her in a couple of leaps, grabbed her hand and pulled her towards me.

What, yesterday wasn't enough? Want more?

Her face was glowing and her eyes were flashing.

I felt really mixed up. I released girl's hands but didn't stand up at once.

I just want to understand where did I go wrong.

Why are you always thinking that you went somewhere wrong?

Because he's so fucking omega.

Because you think so!

Who told you that? I didn’t!

But I can see it!

You see everything, don't you? You see and make conclusions that you shouldn't interfere, that you should lie low, say nothing...

I make conclusions based on logic!

Are you sure that the logic of yours is correct?

I didn't know what to say on it.
For some time we were just lying.
I was completely confused, and it seems that Alisa doesn’t want to continue our conversation.
Finally, she pushed me away and stood up.

Because everyone left the camp and we've stayed...

I'm not talking about this...

Well, because I like you...

Finally I dared to say it directly.

Okay, I don't get why liking someone is such a big deal in weeaboo games. Cultural differences? Lack of better way to translate it to English? At least in potato, saying that you like someone doesn't imply anything romantic. At least not when you say it like he does here.

Are you sure? And what about Lena? She was always next to you...

We talked to Lena for like 15 minutes total, goddamnit. And 'talked' is overstating it.

Maybe it's too hard with her. And what about me? Very simple – just snap your fingers and I'm in your bed.

~ I wouldn’t say it's that simple with her... ~

Don't attribute to me what I didn't say!

You do say nothing, so nothing to attribute to! But you think for a dozen of others!

Well, she was absolutely right on this point.

I didn't think anything of that!

So, do I have to just simply believe all of this?

You don't have to believe. I'm not forcing you! But it's the truth, so I am not going to make anything up!

Words should be proven with actions!

~ What actions is she expecting from me? ~

Well, we can do it one more time...

I said with a stupid smile.
I had no idea how I even dared to think of jokes in such situation. Especially such jokes.

Sure! Come on!

Alisa said in a calm voice, walked to the fire and started to undress.

What is this I don't even

I jumped up, ran to her and grabbed her arm.

What are you doing?! Wait! I didn't mean that!

Well, what's the big deal? Don't you need me just for that?

Of course not. You got it all wrong!

How should I get you then?!

She freed her arm and started crying.
I lied down beside her, hugged her and started patting her head.

Everything is alright. Calm down...

Leave me alone!

She said through the tears, but didn't try to free herself.

You see, I had a hard life before this camp. I just haven't got used to this... I don't know ho to act in situations like this. I've been alone for a long time, no friends, no loved ones.

I have just forgotten how to feel and how to love. It is hard for me.

It is so much easier not to get mixed up in those matters. Finally, it became just usual not to. And here we are... like a bolt from the blue. It doesn't mean that I am an egoistic bastard... But it seems that I am, though...

I just can't do that right away...

Alisa didn't reply and continued crying.

But I know one thing for sure! It is all lies about Lena. She is a friend, nothing more. I never looked at her that way.

And I need you! Not only for what you think I want.

I just don't know how to tell you the things you are expecting... It brings obligations... You see, I am in such a situation now, that I don't know what will happen to me in an hour. And here...

Alisa seemed not listening to me at all or my excuses just didn't touch her.

~ Well I can be proud of myself – I made girl cry. And what girl!? Alisa, who at first sight seemed a person who is a stranger to any romantic feelings. ~

At least you haven't told her you're from the future and magic bus brought you here.

You know, I can't take this decision for both of us. I can only say for myself that I am ready to be with you, to support you, to protect you!

But you... Why do you need me? I have nothing in my soul, I don't know what I want from this life. Besides, I am here now, but tomorrow I might be gone...

Alisa stopped crying for a moment.

Don't you understand that I have already made that decision a long time ago?

Then...

She looked up at me with teary eyes.
I might have seen happiness in them for a moment.
Alisa embraced me and kissed tenderly.
It was the best kiss of my entire life.
No, it wasn't as passionate as the one last night, but there was so much tenderness, trust and love, that I just dissolved in her, in her lips, in her arms.
I forgot about everything, about the camp, about my past and my doubts which were tormenting me a moment before.
She was all that I need. Now. And ever!

- HONK -

This kiss might have lasted forever, but suddenly a horn sounded nearby, as if inside my brain.

We just lied and looked at it for some time.
Soon, driver left the bus and shouted to us.

Hey, lovebirds! It is the last bus to the town! Are you going?

Let's go?

Alisa said merrily.

We jumped up. I grabbed the backpack, took Alisa by the hand and ran to the bus.

The driver was shouting something from his place, but I didn't listen to him.

~ Here it is, a rescue ship, heading to a new life! ~

I looked at Alisa. I was so eager to say something, to continue the conversation by the fire. She was sleeping peacefully, placing her head on my shoulder.
I didn't wake her up. There was no need. We had so much time ahead us.
There was no one in the bus except us.

The bus was going fast, leaving behind not only my previous life, but also the week I had spent in the pioneer camp, called 'Sovionok'.
I went through more during these seven days than through my real life during all those years. And how much was lying ahead in the future?
Common country scenery in the window didn't interest me much. I was just looking at peacefully sleeping Alisa.
My heart felt warmth and calmness and my head finally stopped bursting with thoughts.

...

But happiness is a fragile matter. Many things can destroy it. Time, for example.
The longer you feel happiness, the more common it becomes. Emotions dull. New problems and worries appear.

Spoiler

Spoiler

The day was over and hangover should have been long gone but I still felt sick and dizzy.
Despite how hard I tried I was unable to open my eyes. I just turned to another side.
I wonder, what awaits me in the district center? How am I to live? Maybe it's not all that bad?
Well, sure, I don't know where to begin, but on the other hand this world doesn't seem hostile. I know a lot of things here, everyone speaks Russian...
So, maybe nothing bad is to happen?..
Suddenly I felt very sick.
Damn it, I thought it was all gone by yesterday evening!

After some time, when my dirty business was done I returned to the room.
And then I realized...

However, why old...
It seemed that nothing had changed during the week of my absence.
Even dust layers haven't grown thicker.
Keyboard position, monitor incline and a stain from a cup of tea on the table caused painful gripe in my retina.

Theoretically, a man in condition like mine shouldn’t notice such details!
But entire room drew my attention to the most minor of details as if it was twinkling with different colors.
The socks were thrown around exactly in the same order as they had been before. The blanked bristled in the unmade bed as it did before, dirty window, like a cracked kinescope, shows the same view of the street.

In vain I tried to become terrified or at least scared.
Maybe it's the shock effect, posttraumatic syndrome or something like that?
After all, several hours ago I haven't thought of returning to the real world.

Pioneer camp, girls, Alisa, mythical district center where I would have got if I hadn't woken up in my flat. All that started to seem real to me.
Maybe my fantastic vacation to 'Sovionok' was just a dream?
My feet started to rack up the circles around the room. I held my hands behind my back and started to think over everything.

Only one thing is clear, I returned as suddenly as I arrived there.
Without any reason or logic.
Maybe there was some sort of explanation but it's beyond my (or human) comprehension.
Whether those were tricks of interstellar forces or supreme mind or government experiments (I believed the last one to be the least probable) they left no clues.
If I were unable to find answers in the camp, it would be foolish to expect something to become clearer here.

It's just like searching for evidences in a house, burned to ashes.
Even if a crime was committed, all of the evidences are destroyed by fire.
Maybe if I had skills and equipment of a criminalist I would find something, but...
Memories of the week spent in the camp were all I've got.

But it wasn't a dream. I knew it for sure!
Hangover was absolutely real. My feelings and emotions were true rather than composed of dreams.
Therefore, I've been there, spent a week in the 'Sovionok' pioneer camp with the camp leader and pioneers... with Alisa.
Memories of her made me sigh.
It would be great to leave with her.

Wait a minute! What's wrong with me?! I should be glad I returned home, to the real world!
Or shouldn't I?..

For now I just couldn't evaluate the situation reasonably.
I couldn't understand whether I wanted to stay there or to enjoy long-expected returning.

I noticed a five ruble coin on the table. I took it and began to toss it up without any purpose, counting number of heads and tails.
A long time ago, maybe even in school I heard that in infinite quantity of experiments the probabilities are not equal to 50 percent each.
Maybe it's because the coin doesn't have an ideal shape and weight or because of some other reason.
However, after some time I've counted 70 heads and 71 tails.
So the theory of relativity lies... But I'm not the man to judge it, I don't know much about it.

I recalled my childhood, when I had heard the word 'tails' for the first time.
For some reason I always thought that it means 'squirrel'.
Maybe there is some logic in this – squirrel indeed does have a tail.
Now this theory seemed strange to me, but at the same time I couldn't find any conclusive evidences of its groundlessness.
So, does it mean that squirrel comes out more frequently than heads?
But one must consider that squirrel has a head as well, so...

I grasped my hair and sighed, exhausted.
It's not the time for thinking of such rubbish now!

On the other hand, what is now the right time for? What can I do? What is under my control?
If I hadn't approached the solution a jot during the week there what would be the point of thinking now?
Maybe I should just try to come back to my usual life?

Words 'usual' and 'life' were painful to me.
Why had I chosen this very description? I could say 'past', 'old' or something else?
The most obvious answer is that I got used to it, that's why.
As they say, the custom is your second nature.

Instantly all the last week events floated before my eyes.
Did I really want to stay there so badly?
Was just one week enough for me to get used to Olga Dmitrievna picking on me all the time, Ulyana pranking and joking around or Alisa, being all cheeky and mocking?
I had no answer to this question but it is obvious that I already miss it.
Although surely I'll never return there.

Obviously, I can't know if the force that brought me there might want to entertain itself again. And again, and again...
It is possible.
But for now I have what I have – an adventure that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Damn it, how many people have experienced something like that? Even books, even dreams about such things are unthinkable!
The main thing is that it wasn't Dr Moro's evil island, but the most usual Soviet pioneer camp with the most usual pioneers.
And its commonness was overlaid by the astonishing origin of my arrival there.

Anyway, it's not the worst stage in my life. Or, maybe, one of the best.
Obviously it's sad that everything ended just a halfway through, but every story has an end.
It's good that it has ended that way. Who knows what else could have happened?

...

Date of coming concert was thickly encircled on a computer desktop calendar.
The very thought of that gave me goosebumps.
It will be the first time we will be headliners. And an album presentation as well.
I wonder how many discs would be sold? Of course the CD era was already over but still there are some who appreciate it.
And maybe someone will buy it just to support the band.

I looked at the date once more. Yes, it is exactly a year since I returned from 'Sovionok'.
My smile reflected in a darkened monitor screen.
I wonder whether Alisa would like my music if she existed in this world. Don't think so!
She preferred Soviet rock classics. But who knows...

I played a couple of complicated guitar parts and concluded, with a feel of satisfaction, that the sound of my guitar surpasses by far that of the soviet 'Ural' guitars, and my skill overcomes the skill of the same era guitarists.
I wonder whether I would’ve achieved all this without those fantastic events. Unlikely...

Nothing strange in fact. Lots of people rethink their life after stepping close to the edge.
Surely nothing dangerous was happening back then but the moral shock is a good substitute for a grave danger.
I rehearsed my tunes once more, put the guitar into a case, packed all my stuff and headed to the exit.

Slowly I approached the 410th bus stop.
Such a coincidence, I am to go to the club on this very bus.
With sinking heart I counted off seconds.
Soon the bus arrived. It idly opened its doors and swallowed up few passengers.

The closer we were getting to the down town the more people were in the streets.
Some of them were chattering merrily, some were gazing on magnificent boutique windows and some were hurrying somewhere, paying no attention to anything.
I thought that I had no wish to return to that camp this very day. Any other time, but not today!
I must play the concert, and the rest can go to hell.
I had a clear aim and nothing else mattered!

...

I desperately missed the drums on the monitors, which I am trying to tell about the sound guy.
Sound tuned, gadgets installed, set-lists on their positions. Time to start?
But it is a special day. We are not doing the warmup. The other guys are doing the warmup before our concert. Thus, our entrance is the last.

After I listened to the first band, I noted that they have much to improve.
On the other hand, we were no better not so long ago.
As time was getting closer to the start of our performance my tension grew enormous.

Come on, I was literally shaking of anxiety!
I decided not to listen to the other bands and to wait calmly in a make-up room.
Judging by their expressions, my mates were in the same mood.

We were silent. Actually, we had nothing to talk about.
Parts were learned and perfected long time ago.
Only nervousness can hinder us but we already have some experience so everything must be fine. At least, I comforted myself with this thought.

...

I don't remember how we entered the stage and greeted the audience.
My consciousness turned on when the first chords of our first song came from the speakers.
While sitting in the make-up room I heartbreakingly tried to warm my ice-cold fingers but now they ran from string to string without a slightest mistake, like if they were charmed.
A thought flashed across my mind – why didn't I still make a single mistake.

When I played all these parts at home or during the rehearsals I never thought of it, everything seemed a matter of course.
But now, when I stood in front of an audience it felt different.
Somewhere deeply in my mind there was a thought that soon my finger will slip and... Thank goodness thinking wasn't interfering with the playing.
Our performance was nearing the end and now it was the time for a difficult solo I was learning for so long.
By that point my nervousness vanished and I played through it perfectly, even better than during the rehearsals.

Finally our performance was over and music hall burst with applause.
I smiled awkwardly (at least I thought so) and bowed several times with the rest of the band.
They shouted 'Encore!' to us. Even without them shouting I would be glad to play something in addition but we ran out of songs as we were just a newly formed band.

...

All discs were sold and it made me even happier.
Eventually I managed to become something too!
It's impossible to predict the future of our band or of the whole affair with music.
But one thing was clear. I finally found something I am interested in and I can dedicate my entire time to.
As well as that – I see that it may please someone besides me.
Probably I was now the happiest man on the Earth! At least it surely was the best moment in my life.

...

The club is empty, instruments are packed, so I am to wait for others and may go home.

I turned around and saw a girl, standing nearby.
Her tone wasn't too polite but it wasn't hostile either.

I liked your performance!

Thanks...

Darkness of the club prevented me from clearly seeing her face but I was sure that it was extremely familiar to me.

And you...

I stepped forward.
Exactly! It was Alisa!
I froze on a spot, being unable to speak.

What about me?

Nothing... I just thought I've seen you somewhere.

I decided not to jump at her with questions about pioneer camp.
After all, it's possible that the girl merely looks like her. Or something like that...
Anyway, it was obvious that she saw me for the first time. Or at least pretended to...

Well, generally it’s true.

She peered.

My name is Semyon.

Forcing an artificial smile, I offered her my hand.

I actually know that.

How?

Read it on the Internet.

Yes, of course.

And you are...

Alisa...

She replied somewhat confusedly.
So I was right! But what was I right about?

Listen, have you ever been to pioneer camps as a child?

N... no... Why are you asking?

Just... It just seemed that I've met you there.

How could you meet me there if I've never been there?

She laughed.

Yes, all of you, musicians, are somehow strange!

No doubt.

Well... I just wanted to say that your music is not too bad.

Alisa intended to leave.
I felt that I must do something, say something.

Will you come to the next concert?

When?

To be honest I had no idea myself.

Soon...

Yes, maybe... Send me a message!

Yeah, sure...

We shared our contacts with each other.

Then I’ll see you again probably!

Obviously I had no idea if she was that very Alisa I met in the camp.
Any number of theories was nullified by the absolute absence of facts.
But that moment it was the least thing that concerned me as I was full of emotions, caused by the concert and meeting Alisa.

After all, nothing prevents me from calling her and then we’ll see...

I smiled, shouldered guitar and started walking to the 410th bus stop along with my mates.

Every story has its own outline, synopsis, contents, key points, a prologue and an epilogue.
And there is no book, which would not reveal the things you didn't pay attention to previously after you read it again.
Every story has its beginning and its end.

But wait! There's more!
Apparently Alisa's good ending wasn't 'good' enough for fans, so the creators made an extra ending for her.

Spoiler

Or rather, just a melody. A pattern of repeating notes.
Seems like an electric guitar, and a rather crusty one at that.
However, it seemed like this sound flowed around me, and was slowly taking me somewhere far, far away, if that's possible in this infinite void, in which it seemed like I was.
But the sound weakened, seemed to move further and further away, and soon enough, it was completely gone...

Was this... a dream?

Just a nightmare. Or was it something else?
The headache is unbearable, it feels like yesterday I won a drinking game against my own conscience!
And when was that yesterday, anyway?..
After all, we drank vodka with Alisa on the day before yesterday, then there was a long road, a bonfire, the bus...

~ No, something like this was to be expected. ~
~ And why the hell would I even be surprised?! ~
~ What if I have never managed to escape form that camp? Would I be left in that world, forever?
~ Would I think that everything was OK, and I was fine? Would I think that everyone was fine, and everything was as it seemed? ~

~ Why get surprised now?.. ~

Slowly moving from one leg to another, I've made my way to the kitchen, took out a bottle of cheap beer, and gulped a half of it at once. And immediately put it back, with a cringe.
Being half asleep, everything started to bang in my head, the world went out the door for a brief moment, but my mood has gone up a little.
Or I just didn't care any more.

In the room everything was like normal. My PC was hissing away with dusty fans, speakers crackled once in a while, and it was snowing outside. One more fact that clearly stated that even if it was summer yesterday, today, is obviously, winter.
Good. Good - the nightmare has ended, I will forget about this damn dream in an hour!
After all, this is how the human brain works.
However, the internet forums, messengers, and even music, which was playing out of the cheap speakers, weren't of much help.

The memories still popped up in my mind. The scenery from 'Sovionok', it seemed like it was so distant, but at the same time it seemed so native, like an old faded picture from a Polaroid, from my childhood.
And now thinking about it, not much time has passed - one day, or less? But was it real?
And if it was, is it gone forever?..
I was scared to admit that, I don't want to sit around looking at the monitor like that, I don't want to listen to the annoying sound of the keyboard and mouse, banging around random patterns of letters.

I want to go back - back to the camp, summer, to go back to the girls, and damn it, even back to Elektronik! And Alisa...
Warm tears suddenly started to roll down my cheeks.
It happens: you don;t want to cry, because you don't know why.
But you're clearly not the one to say that!

Not everything can be understood with logic and reasoning. Not all the answers can be found.
And right now I'm ready to give everything up, just to have the ability to go back there.
Even though I don't know the future, I don't care! I'll deal with it on the spot.
Maybe that day, a week ago, someone heard my subconscious wish, in which I was scared to admit to even myself, and transferred me into 'ovionok'? Just to transfer me back, like this?
But this is unfair!

Even though, I clearly understood that, if I had a choice, I wouldn't change it! Just because it's better for your soul to be happy, even for a brief moment, rather than never having felt true happiness.
But maybe, everything isn't lost yet?..

...

I wonder, will it take me back to 'Sovionok' today?. And mainly, do I want to be taken away, myself?
Now I have things to do, things that will not wait - even the meeting with the guitar player.
Little by little, but it's some progress - some refused immediately, without even meeting me in person.
The snow storm was going stronger and stronger, so I have raised my collar and buttoned my coat.

When is summer going to begin?..
Warm summer, just like back then - in 'Sovionok'.
Sadness took over me for a second, but I've cleared my mind of those thoughts - it's not polite to look like a deadhead while meeting a girl for the first time.
But we're going to simply play together, and not...

Yeah, right - 'simply'!
I wonder, what is she like? It's obvious that looks don't usually correlate to skills, but it's always more pleasant to stand on the stage with a cute girl, and not with a 300 pound rhino...
And why did we even agree to meet on this bus stop - this thought painfully hit my conscience, which it should have done way earlier.

Hey, waiting for me?

I turned around, but a sudden wind gust nearly blew me off my feet, and snow filled my eyes and mouth.
The girl laughed, loudly. Maybe even a bit too loud.

Sorry.

Spewing snow out, I mumbled.

I hope you're not as clumsy on the stage, are you?

Alisa was standing right in front of me! No, a girl that looked exactly like her!
It seemed like she was surprised too, but she looked way more calm.

Have we met before?

It seems so... I mean, no! Of course we have met! In the summer camp, 'Sovionok', remember?
She looked at me fixedly, almost as trying hard to remember something.

Summer camp?.. No, I don't remember. Actually, I've never been to any summer camps.

I don't believe it.

I said softly.
I didn't want to believe it - I know, that the person in front of me is Alisa, and I don't give a damn about anything else!
I just feel it, I know it!

I... I... don't know.

The girl was confused, and turned her eyes away from me.

I don't know, and that's it!

She stomped her foot on the ground, and her eyes shined.

Maybe, but it all was in a dream, it wasn't real.

In a dream? Do you think two people can see the exact same dream?

How can I know what you've seen in yours?

The girl turned around.

I think that you know! The camp, an evening with a guitar on the stage, the bomb shelter under the old building, vodka, and finally...

I was confused.

Well, you know...

That's the point! I don't understand.

Alisa - I was completely sure now - she looked at me with tearing eyes.

I'd like to understand, but can't! In the first seconds after going back everything seemed so real... I don't know now.

If you're really Semyon... I thought, that we will go back together. I thought we'll end up in this district center, or elsewhere, it doesn't matter! And then...

She sobbed and continued:

I thought it was just a dream! I woke up and couldn't understand, what's real? Here or there? And who is – me or her...

But in the end everything made sense – that me just wanted to remain there.

She stopped for a moment.

...with you.

I couldn't bare with it anymore, and I've squeezed her in open arms.
It seemed like everything remained there – in the dream, – and we were not destined to meet here, in real life.
I believed in that myself.
But my fairy tale will have a happy ending!

I'm sorry...

I whispered.

Why are you constantly apologizing?

Alisa barely laughed.

I don't know, I just... I just want to apologize. I think because I'm at fault for something.

Yes, you're certainly at fault!

For what?

I asked in surprise.

Don't know.

Just like that night near the bonfire, but now it's real.
Like I didn't spend that week in 'Sovionok'!
Maybe that was just a dream, boding our meeting in real life.
I don't believe in faith, but my desire to believe in doom is even less.
But even now, a couple minutes ago, everything seemed like doom's will!
So, let it be like it's supposed to be!

You know, I believe!

I moved away from Alisa for a bit.

In what?

It's not that simple! Maybe 'Sovionok' was just a dream, but we had it for a reason.

So that means this is the first time we see each other?.. That means... we don't know each other?

Well, it seems so...

Then...

Her face was turning red even more, and apparently, she was getting angry.

I don't kiss people I don't know! I'm not like that! If you!..

Alisa tried to slap me in the face, but it was a bad attempt – I dodged easily.

Well, at least something remains the same in the past and present worlds.

I smiled.

Fine.

Her face changed to a naughty smile, once again.

But if you play on the same level as back then, I don't have anything to do with you.

Well, you can hear for yourself!

I stretched my hand out.
The snow storm became heavier, but the wind calmed down and it was completely silent on the bus stop. Even the windows in nearby houses turned black, almost like they were watching us.

You know, you're not that big of a loser!

Alisa grabbed my hand…

 

[Drakron]

Okay, I don't get why liking someone is such a big deal in weeaboo games. Cultural differences? Lack of better way to translate it to English?

Well kinda yes, you see the Japanese society is very polite and they dont seem to use the word love as much they use like, we are talking about a society were using the first name without honorifics indicates they are very close.

This kinda bogs down in weeaboo games that use it bit since there is a different cultural background it seems wierd but in the game defense they kinda use it correctly because he is not willing to say that right away, he does later so the use like instead of love seems right.

 

[Angthoron]

Fuck you, RK47 why did I open this thread. I don't even like VNs, but now I've "acquired" this and played through a couple of tracks (text skip function ftw), read about Miku's track and oh my god what the fuck, it was kinda on the level with :Shuu: from Hatoful Boyfriend. You gotta play that track before you close the LP.

 

[RK47]

You've got the wrong guy, mate.

 

[omega21]

The writing in the game is fucking absurd, jesus christ. Is this to make basement dwellers feel better about themselves because the MC is on a whole new level of autism?

 

[RK47]

It's Russia. It's not even a real place to live, omega.
Listen to the truth and be chained in reality.

 

[omega21]

;_;7

Shitapore dating sim when???

Spoiler

edit: jesus you reminded me how bad a "rapper" sheikh haikel is

 

[Angthoron]

You've got the wrong guy, mate.

Ah shit, so I did, bud. Whatever, my point is valid regardless, except I guess I meant Idiott

As for the writing, wasn't it supposed to be some kind of a chans project?

 

[Idiott]

It's made by guys from Russian 2chan. I expected it to be more on the WTF side, sadly nothing else is on the level of Miku route.

"acquired"

It's available for free on Steam

 

[pippin]

It's made by guys from Russian 2chan. I expected it to be more on the WTF side, sadly nothing else is on the level of Miku route.

"acquired"

It's available for free on Steam

Oh shit, it is
http://store.steampowered.com/app/331470/

 

[RK47]

Nyet.

 

[Zdzisiu]

Nyet.

Come on RK47, give it a try.

Its free!

 

[Angthoron]

It's made by guys from Russian 2chan. I expected it to be more on the WTF side, sadly nothing else is on the level of Miku route.

"acquired"

It's available for free on Steam

Hah, didn't realize that. Thanks, will terrorize my friend list tonight.

 

[Idiott]

Alright, new routes. I will try to only cover new stuff and put shit we already read in spoiler tags for context, if needed.

Interesting but completely useless feature: title screen changes depending on the time you're playing.
This here is the 'evening' variant that I will be using for Lena.

Spoiler

First two days are business as usual. The first meaningful 'choice' is deciding if you want to win the silly card tournament or not.
I am not sure if betting with Alisa locks you out of Lena or not, but to be on a safe side:

Spoiler

Since we bet with Alisa last time, we can just wave her off now. Doesn't really matter if we aren't going after her.

~ No. I'm not going to partake in your shady business. ~

Sorry about that.

You wuss!

She shrugged and went up the stairs. Before she went inside she flung at me:

Get ready for consequences!

~ Consequences? ~
~ What if I made a wrong decision? ~

After all, she can really complicate things for me here.
On the other hand, I just couldn't allow myself to be pulled into something so reckless.
I let out a heavy sigh and followed her through the door.

We can choose whether to skip the tutorial or not. Obvious choice. The game assumes we've won the tutorial round vs Lena.

Since we've won the tournament during our first playthrough we don't have to play that shitty card game ever again. May as well lose to Lena.

It was still too early to sleep and a short walk looked like a good idea.
Where should I head to?

Football field seems like a nice place to go I guess.

I wanted to get away.

~ How could I ever lose in the first round!.. ~

There was no excuse for me.
The sports ground seemed to be the best place for my solitude at the moment.

~ Who will think about playing soccer in the evening? ~

Football, you fag.

I sat down on a bench near the pitch and started to think about what has happened.
Suddenly from the volleyball field side I started hearing sounds that seemed to me as sounds of rasping or whistling.
Turning I saw someone desperately swinging his hand.

~ Whom is he gesturing to? ~

To my astonishment it was Lena.
She was throwing the shuttlecock up in the air and attempted to strike it with the racquet.

Shuttlecock is a name that makes me think of

However, being really really honest, she sucked at badminton.
I was just looking for a while, but then decided to come up to her.
I went around the volleyball court and got inside so that she could see me.
Lena was timid as a deer, so I'd rather not repeat previous mistakes.

She glanced at me and immediately hid the racquet and the shuttlecock behind her back.

You like badminton?

Not really...

Doesn’t really work I see. Need some help?

Telling the truth, I was not very good at badminton but just like any other child I used to play it from time to time.

Let me show you.

Thank you.

She blushed.

I want to join the badminton team, but I don’t see it happening really.

Why do you want to join the team if you don't like playing it?

I wouldn't even try today, but...

She looked up at me.

I never had any luck at cards, but seemed like I was on fire today. So, I thought it could work the same way with badminton...

After these words I realized that losing to Lena is twice insulting.

I would never think of you being so keen on sports.

She blushed again.

Oh, excuse me... Come on, let me show you!

I took the racquet, threw the shuttlecock up in the air and...
Struck it with such strength that it flew over the fence and got lost among the trees.

Oh, I'm sorry!

Wow, didn’t expect that from myself.

Nevermind... Although, it was the last one...

The last one? Let's go and get it!

We'd better not... There is... in the forest...

Who's there? A goblin?

I laughed out.

Maybe...

It seemed like I was the only one joking around.

There's no one there to be afraid of, come on!

We'll even let you smell our chloroform rag.

Well, if you are with me...

All of a sudden, the screech of an owl pierced the night.

This strong grip was bit awkward.
To feel a girl's body and its warmth so close to me!
I was filled with tenderness.

I had a deep desire to protect her and to guard her from anyone even if it's only an owl or another night bird.
My only wish was to keep this embrace everlasting.
However, all good things are known for ending sooner or later.

After a while I realized that it was an owlet who was screeching on a branch next to us.
It was holding our shuttlecock tightly.

Is it him who you were so scared of?

Uh-huh...

Take a look! It isn't scary at all.

Lena looked out from behind my back.

You're right, not scary at all...

Hey, wait a second.

At first it seemed that it'd get frightened and fly away dropping the shuttlecock.
But the owlet was still perching.
I succeeded in grasping the shuttlecock and taking it from the bird carefully.

Hey, look! It's almost tame! Would you like to pet it?

Maybe, some other time?..

I handed the shuttlecock to Lena.

Thank you.

She smiled gently.

I have to go.

Good luck in badminton.

Lena smiled again, and hurried away to the camp.

~ How sweet can a girl get!? ~

...

Fast forward to the disco evening, as nothing different than the last time happens.

Let's go to the party then. I'm sure that will go well.

The loudspeakers and some DJ equipment were installed near the monument and the trees were decorated with the light strings.

~ Ah, one typical countryside disco. ~

A lot of pioneers around, but no familiar faces, so I just sat on the bench and waited.

~ I don't have to dance, after all. ~

Maybe I'll be able to just sit and chat with someone.

Hey sad face.

Here to suggest something?

Come on, let's dance!

It's way too early... There's not even music yet.

Blah, you're so boring!

~ Yeah, I am not the merriest person for a such event. ~

She ran away.

~ So Ulyana did wear something like an evening dress. Pretty funny. ~

Slavya.

Hey.

She sat down by my side.

How's the evening?

Fine.

Why are you so sad?

I’m not...

Okay. Dancing will surely cheer you up!

Maybe...

Don't forget to leave one dance for me!

We won't

She laughed and ran to the musical equipment.
The situation was getting serious. I wouldn't be able to sit through the whole disco.

Lena came closer.

Ah, hi, you’re here too...

Means we will have work to do after the disco. That sucks.

~ Is it such a wonder? ~

Yes.

Okay... Gonna light the party up?

Would you be preferred to be smacked in the face with pot or kettle?

The joke turned out sour.

...

Lena blushed and looked down.

Well, maybe it’s not the best idea – setting everything on fire...

Okay, then I shall...

Yeah...

She left.

...

The pioneers formed large groups, talked, joked around and laughed.
At the DJ's panel Ulyana argued loudly with Olga Dmitrievna about the playlist for this evening.

The music started to play.



I didn't know the band or the song but I really felt that I'd tag it 'Soviet pop classics' if you'd ask me.
Pioneers just stood there for some time as if not hearing the music.
It's always hard to make a first step. Especially if you're pretty sure that you'll be the only one who would make it...
Ulyana seemed not to know that simple truth.

She reached the centre of the square with few leaps and cried out loud:

What are you standing for?!

And started to wiggle ridiculously.
'To wiggle' is the exact word. You couldn't find a better one.
It looked so silly and funny, that I couldn't resist laughing.
She noticed it.

I was pretending I can’t hear her.

Stop pretending! Come on here.

I've kept ignoring her.
Pioneers slowly realized that they are not too sexy for this party and started to dance.
It looked really silly from my point of view.

~ Shaking one's arms and legs to the beat of long-forgotten hits? Come on, get real! ~

Obviously it's better to be a party pooper.

Of course, I couldn't dance whatsoever but this thing couldn't be called a dance either.

Hey, Semyon, what are you sitting there for? Don't you wanna dance?

I was so deep in thoughts that I haven't even noticed Slavya.

Not really...

Are you sure?

She smiled.

Maybe later.

~ Damn! What am I even doing here?! ~

Wasting our fucking time.

One more invitation to dance would completely ruin my pride.
I started to think about an appropriate excuse to leave and was looking for the moment to do so, but then I saw Lena. She was slowly heading my way.

Where to?

I was so immersed in my thoughts that I didn't really get what she meant.

To the infirmary. But, if you want to stay here and dance...

I doubt she was going to dance. Lena stood aside the whole evening.

No, I'll pass! Let's go.

At least we will be there with Lena and nurse. Not too bad.

~ At least I won't have to stand here like a shy nerd! ~

Seriously, trying to conceal myself in the corner wasn't very pleasant.

~ Bull in the china shop could be more agile than me on the dancefloor. ~

I didn’t have a slightest intention to dance in the first place.

Lena took me out from my thoughts.
We’ve been just standing near the canteen for some time.

Yes, sure... Thank you!

What for?

She looked at me in surprise.

Well... For taking me out of there...

I shouldn't have told her that dancing is not my thing.

It’s... you know... so boring there!

You don't like dancing, seems to me.

There was not a trace of sarcasm on her truthful, even childlike face.
Seems like she really doesn’t udnerstand.

Yes. Don’t like that at all. I'm not into it.

Me too. No one ever invites me to dance.

Lena blushed and stared at ground as usual.

Strange.

What’s strange?

Well... That no one ever invites you.

You think so?

Again, she looked at me with the expression of surprise and lack of understanding.
I got confused and couldn't find right away what to say in return.

Yes! Certainly! If I liked dancing, I would have invited you for sure.

Thanks...

Lena, obviously, felt too confused about my awkward compliment and I just didn't know what topic to choose for the conversation.
It was completely dark by that time and the gloomy building of infirmary, covered in the night mist strongly looked like a haunted house.
I felt a strong desire to turn around and walk away without making much noise.

It just made me even more uncomfortable.

~ It can't be that she is not scared, while I... ~

Suddenly an owl hooted nearby and I shivered.
Lena seemed to not to hear it or not to pay it any attention or she was just not scared at all.
I hardly could believe the third option, but I didn't want to ask her about it, revealing my fear.

She won't come...

So, we are all alone here away from everyone?

~ Okay, she won't come, understood... Wait a second... How is it she won't come? ~

Ah, I see...

It is not that I am afraid to be alone with Lena. Indoors. At night. With no one around...

~ Only in movies something happens under such a circumstances. ~

Only in movies and visual noves. Guess what?

It is just that I am with Lena and not with Ulyana or Slavya.
And it seriously changed my attitude towards things happening.

There are the boxes.

She pointed at the messy stack of boxes.
There were about a dozen of them.
It would take much more than ten minutes of work.

I put one of the boxes on the table before me and started to take out its contents.
There were bandages. Lots of little packs of bandages.

Here, take this.

Lena gave me a piece of paper.
There were some fields and I quickly realized that I should put the name in the left, article in the middle, if there is one, and quantity in the right field.

~ Not the database but will do. ~

The work started in full swing.

Semyon...

What?

I looked at Lena.
She stared at me for a couple of moments, seemingly making up her mind to do or to say something, but then lowered her gaze again.

No, never mind.

It was physically hard for me to just sit without saying a word. However I couldn't dare to speak first, not only because I can't think of a good topic for conversation, but that I was just feeling shy. This girl could easily be embarrassed by anything.

Semyon...

Yes?

You are counting them all over again.

I indeed started to take out and put into the 'database' the bandages I had already counted.

Oh, sorry.

She did not answer.

What was she supposed to answer to that?

Hey. Where are you from? I mean, where did you come from? Meaning where were you born? I mean, where do you live?

Well, I... There is a town not far from here...

Not far from here. Where is that?

There...

Looks like she doesn't want to talk about it.

~ Does Lena hide something too? ~

It is explainable in the case of Olga Dmitrievna, but in Lena's case...

~ It is absolutely not like her. ~

You DON'T KNOW her.

Is it a secret?

No... Just...

So.. Is it somewhere in the south too?

I should have thought of something more original.
Every single one of my sudden ideas turn out wrong way, and this attempt to play spy worked out even worse.
And I thought about south just because the only pioneer camp of Soviet Union I remembered was 'Artek'.

... Yes...

Lena hesitated to reply.

I couldn't quite get if she was lying or not.

Don't you like it here?

~ Wondering which part of what I said made her think so? ~

Absolutely not! I like it here!

False friendliness sounded very insincere, grating on the ears.

What about you?

I like it. It is so calm here, there are lots of books in the library. And people are nice...

Nice... but not all of them...

Why?

Did I really say that last bit our loud?
Turns out I did.

Well, you know... Ulyana, for example. She is like an Energizer battery with a completely unbalanced point of power application.

What the actual fuck

Battery... What?

Maybe I really was sent back in time.

Never mind.

Or Alisa! The saying 'Pioneer is the kids role model!' is certainly not about her. If every one will start following her example it will be a complete disaster for the country in twenty years or so...

~ However, thinking about it now, you can make a conclusion that everybody followed the example of Alisa Dvachevskaya in the 80's, where I probably am right now. ~

She is not like that actually.

Not like that – how is that?

Not like what you speak of her.

To begin with, I haven't said anything. Just stated the fact that she is not the best example to follow.

Well... Maybe.

Sounds like you know her well enough.

Probably.

I asked that question only to keep the conversation going and didn't expect answer like that.
Alisa and Lena were so different. The idea that they can be close was unbelievable for me.

We came from the same town.

As she had foreseen my question.

We have common friends even though Alisa is one year older.

Okay. It is a little bit strange. Oh not that. I am just surprised.

Everyone gets surprised.

Lena smiled a bit.
I took the second box.
Analginum, activated charcoal, Analginum, activated charcoal, saline solution, potassium permanganate, furatsilin, Analginum...
Lena always spoke with simple sentences.

I think she figured out she's talking to a retard.

How can I communicate with her if every our conversation turns into my monologue or just an awkward silence?
I wasn’t quite satisfied with such state of things.
Sometimes it looked like she hides something behind the mask of shyness. But what?

You know, I read a book not that long ago... Do you like science fiction?

Not much.

~ Damn. Another fail. ~

Well, if you don't like it... Then what books do you like?

Different kinds...

The conversation wasn't going smoothly and I had to turn it for the better.
Who knows why, but I thought about disco again.
Feelings of uneasiness, discomfort and even shame overwhelmed me once more.
Looks like I am not that different from Lena when it comes to such things. I am afraid and shy of things I don't understand or can't do.

~ I should probably overcome my own fears before all else. ~
~ And this will help me to understand her better. ~

I've made up my mind.

There are only a couple of boxes left...

Yes.

Hey. I've got an idea. How about we go to the canteen afterwards? I think the tape-recorder was brought back there.

~ What is it doing in the canteen? ~

I hesitated.

What for?

Her sincere look made it clear that she hasn't a slightest idea what I am going to offer.

Well... Frankly speaking, I just don't know how to dance, that's why I don't like it. This is the reason I was so confused back there. Maybe I could thank you by dancing with you.

But I...

She stopped sorting out the medicine for a moment, blushed and looked right in my eyes.
I got bit stubborn.

~ It really was a stupid idea. ~

It's okay, if you don't want to... I don't insist!

What if someone sees us?

I certainly didn't think about it.
It is not a big deal. But...

Everybody is asleep already. And no one is going to go to the canteen at night!

How will we get in there?

I should have thought about it beforehand.

Well...

I did have Slavya's keys, but didn't want to mention it. Someone could get a wrong idea about me stealing them.
That moment I regretted that I still didn’t get my cell-phone from the leader's cabin.
Olga Dmitrievna talked my head off then and I forgot it.
Anyway, I had to say something to get away from this awkward topic.

Emm, what kind of music do you like?

Different kinds... I am not really into it.

Then let's imagine that it’s playing now... I mean that you... that we hear it playing.

How's that?

Like it plays in your head!

I still remembered the melody pioneers were dancing to. Music and words were really clear in my memory.

I'm not sure I can do it.

You can just try.

Probably...

I've got her consent!
In Lena's case, even that 'probably' can be considered 'yes'.

Dude, she probably just agreed so you stop talking about this shit. She's probably not autistic and fucking creeped out right now.

...

I should pay more attention to every word I say after such luck.
I kept silence most of the time though.
Soon we finished the last box.
I gave Lena filled up list and started to stare at her, like I saw a bigfoot riding a monocycle while juggling piglets. It was amazing, frightening and above all, mesmerizing.

What?!

That look of yours...

What about it?

It’s just funny.

Really?..

Yes. So where are we going to go?

Where?

Her last words have unsettled me, I completely forgot what we were talking about.
Frankly speaking, I have completely left this world for a moment.

Well, you know... Dancing.

Lena blushed right away and her face got a strange expression of shyness, uneasiness and fear.

Ah, yes! Sorry, I was just lost in a thought. Let's go to the pier.

I don't know why I've chosen that place.

With a bit of luck, you'll slip and drown.

Maybe because you could run into a pioneer at the square, in the 'resident area' or near the canteen, but not on the pier. That's what I thought at least.
Or maybe because of the large, bright Moon reflecting on the water in the night.
And it is a full moon today.
I don't know how, but this decision just offered itself.

If you don't like it, then we can...

No. That is a really nice place.

Night fell on the sleeping camp.

Should we follow the alley?

Why? It will be faster through the forest. There is a nice path there.

Well. There could be...

Who? An owlet?

I laughed.

Oh, you...

A shadow of displeasure crossed her face.

Nevermind it. Sorry!

It is dark there.

Are you afraid?

Not really...

If you want to...

Okay... But can I...

Is it... okay with you?

Now it was my time to blush.

Of course!

We walked through the forest.
It was hardly a forest though. More like a small grove between the camp and the pier.
About a hundred meters long.
I would never think that there is something to be afraid of, even on my own.
But it just seemed like Lena’s fear was contagious.
The branches swayed over us. I shuddered and Lena clinged to my arm even stronger.

Don't be afraid. It must be a squirrel.

Yeah...

The night was really beautiful.
I walked closer to the river and called Lena.

Look!

The pier, the boathouse and the moon were reflecting in the water.
It looked like another world with the surface of water being the door to Wonderland. You can just jump and find yourself on the other side.

May I invite you for a dance?

I stretched my hand to her and bowed clumsily.
Lena hesitated. I must have overdid it with mannerism.

There’s nothing to fear, I am not good at it too.

~ Why 'too'? She never said she can't dance, though it was kind of obvious. ~

Okay.

We just stood like that for a few moments.

Soundtrack: *Let's dance to something romantic*

And what next?

Well. I don't know... Do you remember that song?

Hardly... But I remember.

Great! Let's waltz as in the movies.

How's that?

Instead of answering her I carefully started to move in a circle with Lena.

See. Not that hard at all!

Yeah...

We waltzed for few minutes.
Or whatever you could call that.

I felt her warm, though we were not that close to each other.
Her chest heaved heavily and her face started to blush more and more.
Lena didn't look at me, averting her eyes from one side or another.
I suddenly realized that I have never felt anything like this before.

It was tenderness overtaking reality, as if I found myself in another, better world.
I realized that I don't want to let this girl go and that I would give up anything just to go on waltzing with her forever.
I clasped Lena stronger and only then she looked straight at me.
There were surprise and confusion in her gaze, but no fear whatsoever.

She wasn't afraid of me and didn't push me away.

And you've said you can't dance.

I really can't...

I was confused.
I didn't expect that reaction of her.
Where has her confusion, shyness and fear disappeared?

You too... Dance pretty good...

I know!

A playful smile crossed her face.
Or it just seemed to me?
No, I swear I saw it.

~ How is that possible? ~

The image of shy and modest Lena wasn't going together with this moment at all.

~ What should I say? What should I do next? ~

I could only keep on waltzing with her in this dance, which was getting stranger with every passing minute.

The voice came from the edge of the forest.

~ Damn, worst timing ever! ~

Semyon!

It was Olga Dmitrievna. She must’ve been worrying because I had to be back long time ago.
I could have guessed that tireless camp leader would start searching for a lost pioneer!

~ I should have warned her beforehand. ~
~ Ah! There is no point in thinking about it now... ~

Be seen together will not be the best thing to happen.

Why? Let's go and tell her that everything is alright.

No. Let's hide and return to the camp later.

~ Her idea was strange. Everything was going so well... ~
~ At least something was starting to work out. Seemed like it did... ~
~ But what was that something? ~

Okay then.

Olga Dmitrievna shouted for a while and left.

Let's go.

Yes...

I was a little bit frustrated, but wasn’t too certain to make the first step.
We kept silence again. It was not typical of Lena to start a conversation and I just didn't know what to say after everything that happened at the pier.
She kept looking at the ground all the way back, keeping her 'usual' expression.
What a bizarre change!
Or to be more precise, bizarre was that smile on the pier and Lena's words.

...

Well. I have to go.

Okay...

Thank you... for today...

Yes...

~ What the hell was that? ~
~ That dance, that sudden change in the mood and everything was back to usual. ~

It looked like I was embracing another Lena that short moment.
That's right! She wasn't herself. She seemed a completely different person.

~ Maybe I don’t know her well enough? ~

No shit, Sherlock.

I had a feeling before that Lena hides something under her mask of shyness.
It takes much longer than two days to understand someone.

~ Damn! What should I do?! Maybe I was just seeing things! ~

...

I walked to the leader's cabin.
The whole camp was sleeping so there was no one to see me.
So what? What’s wrong about a pioneer taking a walk at night!?

The branches of the bush near the trees rustled as if someone moved there.

~ There shouldn't be any wild animals around here. ~
~ Someone must have watched me! ~

That very moment I rushed in the direction of the noise, forced myself through the bushes and looked around.
It was too dark and I didn't see anything or anyone.
There was no point to keep going. Even if someone was watching me, he must have been gone already.

I went back to the cabin.
The light inside was on.

~ Looks like she was still awake. ~

What do you mean ‘where’? Me and Lena have been sorting medical supplies in the infirmary. I told you before that I would do it in the evening.

Really? When was that? Took you long enough! I was in the infirmary about half an hour ago, it was closed and the lights were off!

Well... Ahem... We decided to have a little walk.

I fret myself while he is having a walk!

Well, sorry... I'll let you know beforehand next time.

Please, do! Go to bed, it's late!

I can't help agreeing with her.

I was too tired to think about the evening events and I doubt I would get any decent thoughts...

~ The main thing is that I have not a single idea how to react to all of that. ~
~ To Lena, to the camp, to this whole world. ~

I practically haven’t spent a minute on looking for the answers. Moreover I've been avoiding it as if the possible discovery scared me.
And Lena... The time I've spent with her was much more important than all of the attempts to return to the real world.

 

[Grimwulf]

This game... fucks sake.

 

[Baron Dupek]

I hope the last reward (how chauvinistic) will be that nurse or I start puching some kitties.

 

[Angthoron]

I hope the last reward (how chauvinistic) will be that nurse or I start puching some kitties.

What if it's a catgirl?

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

Spoiler

The jingle seemed to be coming from the depth of my consciousness.
But after I came to my senses, I realized that the cause of this jingle is my alarm clock.

~ Strange. Where did it come from? Why is it standing near my bed? ~

It was half past seven, according to the clock.
Olga Dmitryevna had already left, and there was nobody to force me into coming to the lineup.

~ Thus I can sleep a bit more. ~

I closed my eyes, but seemed like my consciousness already had its coffee and was ready for a long productive day. I need to get up.

~ I should plan my day out. After all, I need to find out at least something today. ~

But still nothing came to my head.

~ Fine. I need to wake up completely and wash myself. ~

What got you up so early?

Anything wrong with being up early?

She looked at me as if I had insulted her.

No, nothing. Just being curiuos.

None of your business!

Gosh. Zhenya isn't very sympathetic even in a good mood. But today she just looked furious.

Cold water cheered me up, fog in my head dissipated and my thoughts started arranging themselves.
Curiously, I started to worry about occupying a good place in the canteen more then about finding answers.
I brushed my teeth and was going to leave, when a quiet waft passed my ears.

~ It's probably a squirrel, or some other animal. ~

I heard another waft, this time a bit farther.

Nobody. Just the morning forest.

Noticing me, she smiled and jumped up to me.

Oh, hello! Good morning! I accidentally scattered my toothpowder. Just trying to gather it all back.

Dewed grass didn’t seem to be helping her.

Are you sure that's a good idea?

I'm sure brushing your teeth with toothpowder mixed with dirt is a great experience.

Well, why? What else can I do? I don't have any more! It was my last.

She pouted as a child, who just had her favorite toy taken from her.

Here, I'll give you mine...

I digged in my bag.
No toothpaste there.

~ Hmmm... strange. Didn’t I just put it there. I walked away for just a minute, and now it's gone. ~

Listen, it looks like I have forgotten it.

I didn't want to tell her that it just gone missing.
Knowing the sensitivity of this girl, it was safe to assume that vanishing household chemicals would impress her so much that her brain would reset itself in order to avoid overheating.

Well, I'll go...

Yeah, cheers. Visit us... I mean, me, in the music club, I'm still alone there. But we... I mean I...

Miku's voice faded in freshness of a summer morning far behind me.

Enough power for a day, maybe even less.

~ Of course it won't help me much in here, but still... ~

Finding a charger in the eighties means inventing it.

It was Lena.

Ermm... good morning.

Yeah, good...

I was taken aback a bit.
The events of the previous day were still fresh in my memory, but I didn't really want to speak about them.

You are probably looking for Olga Dmitrievna, aren't you?

Well, no... I mean, yes...

Lena was her usual self – shy and easily embarrassed.
That dance on the pier... now it seemed no more then a dream.

She's not here, I am sorry...

Hmm.. okay then.. I'll go...

Okay...

When Lena left, I thought, that I was too cold towards her, so I decided to be nicer on the next encounter.
Still, regardless, the morning was shining beautiful.
Bright Sun was shining over the lost in space and time pioneer camp 'Sovionok', warming its tenants and filling them with energy to spend the day productively.
Or, in my case, to waste it in futile efforts to find an explanation for everything happening here.

We meet everyone in front of the canteen and learn that Shurik is missing. Inside, we realize we also promised Alisa that we would show up. Whole TWO LINES of text.

Alisa looked as usual. Didn’t seem like she was going to start a fight because of me missing the performance I had promised to come to see before.

~ Well, if she doesn't feel like talking about it, then why would I? ~

We still go to the beach with her and Ulyana. Next, we are sent on 'Find Shurik' quest.

Since we've checked out forest and beach last time, let's try sitting it out in our cabin now.

If Shurik was hiding anywhere in a camp, he would be found by now (of course, if only he wants to be found).

~ So I hardly believe I could help them. ~

~ Nothing good will happen if Olga Dmitrievna finds me here. ~
~ Stop... enough! Am I trembling creature or do I have rights? ~

I didn't want to do anything anyway.
The day was hot as all previous and the only thing to do was to stay in bed and wait for lunch.
I was just falling asleep when somebody knocked on the door.

Come in.

Slavya stood on the doorstep.

No.

And what are you doing?

She asked with distrust.
I've looked over myself, over bed and said:

Lying down...

There's still some space on this bed

I can see that. But I've heard Olga Dmitrievna asked you to find Shurik.

Well, yes...

And?

What's the point? I'm sure she already turned the whole camp upside down. Not much time has passed. Why should we panic?

You know, stuff happens...

Slavya looked at me thoughtfully.

Get up.

Do I have to?

I was so worn out that even a thought about going somewhere frightened me.

Yes, you do!

Slavya is not the person whose offers I would ever turn down.

Just like her offer to dance with you last night?

We stood at the doorway for some time relaxing in the beams of the summer sun. Though I was rather frying...

Where shall we go?

We have to look everywhere.

~ Great idea... Just great! ~

Slavya went to Zhenya sitting at the table and spoke to her.
I was just standing at the doorway. I didn't want to communicate with this librarian more than is required.
Few minutes later Slavya came back to me.

So?

Nothing...

She shook her head.

~ As expected. ~

...

While Slavya was talking to cooks I was sitting and playing with the salt-pot.
Some salt dropped out of the pot.
Certainly, I would be disappointed if I was superstitious.
Strange though, he wasn’t here either.
Would be unexpected if she had found him, for instance, in a refrigerator...

...

I've decided not go inside and waited outside for Slavya.

Why are you so fucking scared of the nurse?

No results.

It would be hard for Shurik to get lost among them.

You think he can be here? I think that’s where we had to start from...

Let's come in.

Slavya opened the door and came into the next room.
I followed her.

This was strange especially because it was Slavya's idea.

~ No, I understand, responsibility and so on... but isn’t it obvious that he is not in the camp. ~
~ After all, he isn't playing hide-n-seek with us, is he? ~

What did you expect to see? Him sitting in closet?

Well!

Seems like I've offended her.

Sorry, sorry... But seriously!

I understand... But we have to check all possibilities.

Ok, listen, what do you really think?

About Shurik's disappearance?

Yes.

Maybe he went into the forest and had been caught by a forest-spirit.

She laughed at that.

What a fabulous story...

~ However, in this camp you never know. ~

Yes, true that... But now is not the time for joking!

Cheer up! We'll find him!

Hope so...

Slavya smiled.

Well, I still have some things to do.

See you later.

She left but I was standing there for some time staring at the cyberneticist's club closet.

...

However I was so inspired by Slavya's activity that I've decided to continue searching somewhere else.

Strange thought came across me – Shurik is in the same situation as me and so he decided to run away from this camp, maybe by the 410 bus.
It could really turn out to be true, if he got here by accident too.
Although the chances are quite slim.

~ But you never know! ~
~ What if the bus will really come... ~

However I could hardly believe in that.

- BUMP -
Somebody rushed from behind the gates and bumped into me. The impact was not strong, so I just staggered.

Nonononono

Oh, sorry...

It's alright! It's my fault! I was going to the music club, but got lost in thoughts about a new song... You know, thinking up the lyrics and music. I haven't realized how I got here.

So you don't have to apologize!

Her words per minute rate obviously exceeded the recognition limits of my brain.
I've made an attempt to retreat promptly.

Sure, sure... Gotta go... You know...

Oh, wait!

I wanted to leave as usual without having to listen to her, but Miku grabbed my hand.
Her grasp gave me the creeps as I've got a clear vision of agonizing execution by another rap session.

Can you help me a little, please? Just a little little bit?

That definitely wasn't on my to-do list today.

Well, I'd be glad to, but it's...

Pretty please!

Miku looked at me with such puppy eyes that my heart started to melt.
She totally wasn't going to let go of my hand.

And what help exactly do you need?

You'll accompany me! I can't manage to compose in such a way! I can sing. Or play. I can't do both at the same time.

~ Even our orchestra-woman has her weak sides. ~

Well, you know, I can't really play any instrument...

Don't negotiate, RUN!

Never mind that! I'll show you everything! Come on, let's go!

NOPE

You know, I gotta be searching for Shurik and all that stuff...

Miku looked at me with frustration.

Just a little bit!

I was short of words...
She dragged me with herself.

So much for choices

~ Nothing good will probably come out of that, but the only way to get her off me is to wrest my hand out of hers. ~

But that wouldn’t be very nice.

~ Nothing bad will happen after all! Probably... ~

Miku took a guitar.

Here, have a look!

I tried to follow her hands. The tune seemed quite easy.
It seemed quite easy to repeat it.

Kind of.

Let's try.

I took the guitar and started playing.
Didn’t really work out...

Let me show you one more time.

Looking at Miku, I mused.

~ Of course she was a chatterbox, she was naive and clumsy... However, she was utterly talented in music. ~

I managed much better the second time.

Wow, that's much better!

She smiled.

It wasn’t hard in fact – just repeat the same notes over and over.

~ Just don’t lose the track! ~

Start by my command!

Okay...

Ready? Go!

Frankly speaking, I haven't understood a single word, but Miku's singing was quite good. In fact, it was outstanding!
She put her heart in every note, every word.

~ Yeah, music probably is the very thing to dedicate her life to. ~

It seemed like it wasn't her, who has chosen the music but the music has chosen her...
The last half an hour presented Miku in a completely different light.

...

Oh, thank you! Did you like it? I finally managed it with you, alone it's not so good. I either messed up with the text or missed the strings. And it's just perfect with you! Thank you so much.

You really have a talent, you know! Just to play like that without any preparation...

~ Nope, it seems I have changed my opinion about her too hastily. ~

Thanks for the song! Gotta go, see you!

Thanks too...

I leaned on the wall of the club cabin and sighed.

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

We eat dinner and are given keys to the infirmary. Same choices as the last time, since I am lazy and this part is quite long anyway. We will explore different choices later. After that, we eat supper and Alisa tries to blow up Genda.

We will try go with Lena this time. She's not as shy and fearful as we suspected so it may not necessarily be horribly boring.

I won't go there alone, will I?

Olga Dmitrievna thought for a moment.

You may be right... We'll go together tomorrow.

For the last few minutes I was noticing strange glances of Lena. As if she wanted to say something, but didn’t dare to.

Even the leader seemed to calm down and didn't react when wanna-be-terrorist left the square hiding behind Ulyana.

We should go too.

Yes...

arkness, here in the south, or maybe in this world. You didn’t have enough time to enjoy the variety of sunset colors.
It was too early to go to bed, but the leader confidently walked to her cabin, as if mentally dragging me with her.

Okay...

I didn't really want to look closely at the little damage done to the Genda statue. It was the exact center of the camp. If you don't know where to go, you should start your way from there.
I sat on the bench and looked to the west. I wondered if the Earth here revolves on its axis as it should. Or may there be an actual north? Or south...
It is hard to say. That time I hadn't any ideas how to check the fundamental laws of nature.

They have compasses here, dumbass.

Lena appeared next to me as if from nowhere.

Hi... Can't sleep?

She looked at me in surprise.

Well, yes. It is still early...

May I sit?

Yeah, of course, sit down.

I moved a little.
That 'little' was in fact an understatement, I actually sticked myself to the edge of the bench.

Thanks.

Lena sat and looked at the sky as if forgetting about me.

It is sad...

What is sad?

These inane dialogues.

That Shurik disappeared.

Yes. Things are not too good.

She was calm as usual, kept silent most of the time; she blushed and felt embarasserd only when she had to speak or do something.
That very silence, which could be seen as awkward by many people (including me), was quite natural for her, usual.
I could hardly imagine Lena, making an effort to choose words somewhere deep inside of herself to start a conversation or say a good remark, trying not to look stupid or, in contrary, not to look too rude as Alisa.
I just wasn't able to compare her to anyone. She was just content with herself.

Does it mean that my attempts to start a conversation with her would be seen as something rude? The expression 'become friends' would be interpreted as intrusion into her private life?
But something in this girl attracted me.
Maybe it was her mysteriousness, she certainly didn't lack attractive appearance or other woman's charms. I didn't have an answer to that.

~ That's why I still wasn't openly accused of annoyingness... ~

I'm sure he'll be found! How would you escape from a submarine?

Lena seemed not to like the joke.
This camp must be a large submarine for me only.

I hope so.

Tomorrow Olga Dmitrievna will call the police. They will find him for sure!

And what if in the night...

She got a sad expression.

What could happen to him?

~ Alone, at night, in the forest... Anything could happen! ~

He must be lonely.

No one made him go there!

What if he just got lost?

He shouldn't walk in the forest alone.

You don't have pity for him at all. Shurik may be sitting there all alone...

No pity for fucking morons who go off to the woods without telling anyone and then get lost.

I do pity him of course...

I felt ashamed.
In any case Lena was right. A person was missing.

Anything could happen during the night...

We won't go to search for him now, will we?

She didn't reply, still looking somewhere far away, where the last rays of the Sun shined over the tops of old trees, as if trying to leave a bit of its warmth to people.

Do you really think that roaming in a forest in the dark is a good idea?

Probably not.

For some reason I was sure that she thinks exactly that.
Recently, I seemed to start understanding Lena without any words more often. And she seemed to influence me psychologically, making me agree with her.
Lena's silence is more informative than any chatter or persuasion.

They have looked for him during the day already.

Everywhere?

She stopped watching the sunset and looked at me.

I don't know. I think everywhere.

What about the old camp?

For the first time her words sounded assured and not abstracted or indifferent.

Where is it? I have no idea.

Electronik told us.

Well. Trusting him...

I grinned stupidly, but Lena kept looking at me seriously.

Sure, if it’s not too far...

So, you do want to go?

~ Of course I don't! ~

We can. If it is there and back, quickly...

Okay.

Lena smiled and gave me a flashlight which appeared as if from nowhere.

Yes. Useful thing...

~ Does it mean she has prepared beforehand? And nothing was depending on me? ~

I sighed as if doomed and headed to the forest with her.

...

We walked slowly. Lena was next to me, near but not too close.
It was strange, but looked like she wasn't afraid of anything.

~ Moreover, she didn't care much about the things happening, as if we weren’t walking in the forest at night, but watching a movie with the other people playing leading roles. ~

Actually, Electronik said that the old camp was not too far and if we walk straight to it, it would be hard to get lost.
After a few minutes I was completely unsure that we’re walking straight and after some more time it started to seem that it would be a miracle if we get out from here.
But I didn't want to lose face before Lena so I tried to walk cheerfully.

The forest was full of silent moving shadows and gleams of the Moon, the grass quietly rustled under our feet and the branches rustled over our heads.
Old oaks stood next to young birches. Large mushrooms emerged from under the latter, as if saluting by taking off their large hats.
On any other day, or rather on any other time of the day, it would look really beautiful.
It may be safe at night too, but nevertheless I shuddered at any gust of wind.

Lena pointed forward. I rubbed my eyes and saw a gap between the trees.

The paint was falling off the walls. There were several holes in the roof like after a bombing. And glassless windows looked at us sadly and a little threatening. It was not a very pleasant sight.
I couldn't remember how I was imagining that place a moment ago. It was like all images were erased from my memory, replaced by this depressing graveyard view.

Well, it's creepy...

Do you think he is there?

I have no idea...

If I was Shurik, then a haunted house would be the last place I'd hide in.

Shall we go?

Actually in one colour – the grave white.
I could see more clearly the distant trees, the mist shrouding them. It felt like the temperature dropped down a few degrees so I quickly got shivers.

Are you afraid?

Lena asked calmly.

Honestly?

She smiled unnoticably and took my hand.
It would have caused a storm of emotions in other situation, but that time it felt like a usual necessity.
We slowly walked to the building.

...

Walking through the playground, I pushed a merry-go-round, it creaked nastily and made half a turn.
Lena shivered and grasped my hand tighter.

Sorry... I, probably, just remembered my childhood.

Did you like merry-go-rounds?

Yes... Actually, I don't know, don't remember. Probably. All children like them.

They were awesome to ride, if they were made of steel. It only required one of the stronger kids to get near the central pole and spin from there. We managed to break one this way, at least no one got hurt. Sucked to be the spin guy if he tripped, though.

I didn't like them.

Why?

I get dizzy cause of them.

No wonder, if you spin too fast.

I liked swings more.

You can swing just like on centrifuge as well!

But what for?

I don't know...

Ever heard of this thing called 'fun'?

That conversation had distracted me a little and I stopped worrying myself about everything: about Shurik, about our night trip, about Lena...

~ After all, this world is not so alien. ~

Finally we had reached the doors...

On the first sight even the room arrangement was the same.

Shurik!

Shurik!

Grave silence replied to us. Even the wind outside had calmed down.

Looks like nobody is here.

We should check anyway.

Lena's courage couldn’t stop surprising me.
Or, should I say, the lack of usual instinct of self-preservation couldn’t.
I didn't know if that behaviour is strange for that girl or not.

Be glad that at least someone around here has some courage, princess.

Okay, let's do it...

...

We thoroughly examined all the rooms of the old camp, I even inspected a garret.
There were signs that people visit this place everywhere: newspapers, empty bottles, and other garbage. But there were no signs of Shurik.
We returned to the hall where we had started our search.

What should we do next?

I have no idea...

Lena sat on the steps and stared under her feet.

I think we should go back...

I started carefully.

It is late and... would just the two of us look for him in the whole forest?

You may be right.

She looked sad and her expression let me know that the search is not over yet.

Well, I am!

I waved my hands doomed and sat next to her.

We should think about the worst outcome...

Do you want to say...

No, but... Are there any wild animals around?

I doubt it.

Lena calmed down at once.

He may be sleeping somewhere! He'll wake up in the morning and return to the camp.

Yes, of course...

~ I really want to leave this place, to get out from the forest, but Lena's behaviour as if kept me here. ~

I wanted to go on with persuasion, but then noticed something on the floor.
That was a hatch. There were little heaps of garbage and dust around it.

~ It must have been opened recently! ~

Look.

Do you think Shurik is there?

Lena squated and pulled the hatch's handle carefully.

It may not be Shurik, but someone surely used it recently.

I had already regretted about finding that damn gate to hell.

Let's check it out?

The hatch door wasn't very heavy, so you could open it without much effort.
I directed the flashlight into it and saw a ladder, going down a couple of meters.

Looks like a cellar...

Let's go down?

I looked at Lena for a few moments, trying to understand what was on her mind.

~ Did she get a craving for adventures like Ulyana? So where is her youthful spirit then? ~
~ Or she just went nuts a bit... ~

Lena didn't resemble a crazy person.

~ But anyway, who said she is really a human and you can evaluate her with a human behaviour logic? ~
That thought should have scared me, but somehow I didn't pay it any attention among other millions of thoughts. Some of them were more important – for example, what could be down there.

...

Everything is okay.

After I made sure that there was nothing to be afraid of, I called Lena.

Its architecture more resembled KGB dungeons or subway maintenance tunnel. I didn't know what would be better.
There were countless wires along the walls, they were fastened by metal hooks every half a meter. There were lamps under the ceiling, covered by rusted shades. Concrete crumb cracked under our feet unpleasantly.

Shall we go?

Lena asked as if without any emotion.

Where to? There?

Well, yes. What if Shurik is there?

What would he be doing there?

In any case I wasn't really able to refuse her today, that's why we forgot about the fear and headed into the darkness.

...

The silence of dungeons was interrupted only by the sound of our steps and dripping water from the ceiling.
We moved forward slowly, maybe too slowly. I suddenly got a feel of claustrophobia.
I gritted my teeth and squeezed the torchlight, but lightened the grasp at once, fearing to break our only source of light.
Lena kept silence and her silence seemed louder than any words. I started to fear.

Say something.

Door.

What?

There is a door.

She pointed forward.

Looks like a bomb-shelter...

Yes. I've heard something about it.

Why is it here?

I have no idea. Maybe because of Caribean Crisis.

Caribean?

I estimated the approximate time of constructing the camp, makes sense.
However a bomb-shelter here was like an airport in Faggot in Northumberland, or Lacock in Wiltshire, in the UK. It was not deep enough and too far from civilization.

Faggot and Lacock. Not deep enough.

The door wheel muffledly creaked. I had to push it with all my strength before it turned around a couple of times.
I made up my mind and opened the door with difficulty...

There were some beds, cases, some scientific equipment. They thoroughly had been preparing for a nuclear apocalypse.
We didn't find any signs of Shurik there though.

Lena was holding a flare-gun and smiling.

Why do I need it?

To fight monsters.

There are no monsters here.

At least, I wanted to believe that.

If you say so...

I guarantee that!

I didn't want to upset her so I tucked the flare-gun under my belt. It might come in handy...
We thoroughly looked over the room once again.
There were two exits. The first was the door we had entered and the other one was exactly the same door in the left wall.
For a moment I felt excitement, the urge to reach the end of this labyrinth and to learn what prize awaits me there.
However, it surely wasn’t a computer game and there was no option to save.

Maybe with this?

Lena gave me quite a big crowbar.

No. I'll give a first try without it.

However the door didn't want to budge, only creaked nastily, the door wheel didn't turn a millimeter.

Okay. Give it to me.

It was too easy with the crowbar.

The hinges were rusted completely.
I pointed the flashlight into the passageway. There was a corridor just like the one we had come here through.

Let's go?

It was like Lena constantly drove on me.

Where are you rushing?

Me? I’m not...

She got confused and blushed.

~ Again... how should I understand her? First she doesn't fear a thing, then she gets lost after a word. ~

You look like you don't fear anything.

I don't know. What should I fear?

You will protect me anyway...

She added barely hearably...
So Lena relies on me. She believes in me no matter what...

~ It is possible. Stupid, naive, but possible. ~

I knew clearly that I couldn't protect anyone, even myself. Nothing depends on me in this world.
The powers that brought me here could do anything!
It didn't exactly mean that inevitable death awaits me in the end of the tunnel, it could lie in wait anywhere in this camp.

Let's go!

...

That corridor was exactly the same as the previous one. To every single little detail.
Nothing shocking about it, but at some point I got a feeling that we’re walking in circles.
The flashlight in my hand started to tremble noticeably. The spot of light jumped all over the walls and the floor and, suddenly, it lit up a rather big hole...

What is it there?

Looks like a mine.

Shall we have a look?

Why not go further the corridor?

I don't know, I think we should go down there.

I estimated the height – it would be possible to pull ourselves out.

Okay. Let's check it out.

It was really a mine.

~ I wonder what could they mine here? ~

What minerals are there in this area?

I don't know.

Well, yeah, stupid question. Looks like there are none now...

We headed into the darkness.
It was hard to walk, because I couldn't choose where to step: wooden planks or ground.
I wasn't able to stick to the walls too – the tunnel was too narrow and I didn't want to let go of Lena's hand.

Just great.

Where? It is not certain, that we'll be able to get out from here at all, especially if we are going to play pacman...

Play what?

Never mind. We'll get lost.

What if there is an exit too?

It may be there... And what if there isn't?

So, should we go back?

I bit my lip till bleeding and yelled as loud as I could.

Shurik!

The loud echo came from every direction at once. Even soil fell from the ceiling in some places.

See...

Then I will go alone.

What?

I grinned stupidly.

Alone? Where to?

But we must find Shurik. He may be...

Lena blushed at once and stared at the ground.

No-no-no, that won't do. If we go, we go together.

Okay. Then let's go.

She smiled and took my hand.

~ How does she manage that... ~

But the first thing would be...

I took quite a big stone from the ground and scratched a cross on one of the beams which supported the walls.

Now we will know where we have started.

Alright, since we kept going right last time, now we will go left.

Two left turns later...

Picks and helmets everywhere, rusty wagon stood in the corner.
All items were so old – they dated rather from the beginning of the 20th century than from the middle.

~ So this is really a mine. Which means I can be walking here on and on without finding a way out. ~

But I sensed that exit was somewhere nearby and so we went further.

Four left turns later...

At least something...

What?

At least it is not another fork.

What is it there?

We don't have any choice, but to check it out.

I strongly pulled the handle and opened the door.

Empty bottles and cigarette butts were scattered everywhere. The walls were all full of scribbles.

~ So that means there is another exit from here! ~

I didn't want to believe that people, who had left all that, came the same way as we did.
Sadly, Shurik wasn't here.

Oh...

I slipped down the floor by the wall.

We certainly have been everywhere now.

Lena pointed to the door in the corner.
It looked similar to the one leading into the bomb-shelter.

There probably should be an exit, as you said.

Shall we go?

Let's rest for a moment.

Okay.

It’s alright.

What do you mean?

That we haven't found Shurik.

We should think about getting out ourselves.

We'll get out.

Yes. I probably remember the way.

Or at least I thought that I remembered it.

I am not afraid at all.

She suddenly said after a short pause.

That's good.

It is because I am with you.

Suddenly, there came a noise from behind the door to the mine.

I jumped up at once and started looking for something I could use as a weapon.
The noise of heavy steps was getting closer.

In the silence I froze staring at him.

There you are! Did you think you can hide from me?

What?

Did you think I wouldn't find you? But I did!

He wasn't sane for sure: the face was distorted with a scary grimace, the eyes gleamed behind the glasses. The lost pioneer held a metal rod in his hand.

Are you mad!? It’s us!

Yeah I can see it’s you!

He made a couple of steps towards us.
I instictively shielded Lena.

Did you think you could make a fool of me? Leading me here and there?! 'To the left, to the right, to the left, to the right'?! And I followed, I followed...

Everything after that was like in a slow-motion.
Shurik, charging at us.
Me, pushing Lena out of the way.
The rod, slowly coming to my head...

- CRASH -

... my hand with a flashlight, going up...

I moved my hand, trying to find the wall, when I felt someone's touch.

Don't be afraid.

I heard a familiar voice near me.

Where are you, damned lunatic?!

I shouted.

He left.

How did he go away? Where to?

Lena's voice didn't sound too calm, but certainly it sounded not as it should in such circumstances.

Calm down.

She hugged me tenderly and pressed her body against mine.
I tried to come to my senses, to restore my breath, to get used to the darkness.

What should we do next?

You have a gun.

Well. Who do I shoot?

It's a flare gun you retard.

It is loaded with a flare.

She might be right.
I took the gun from my belt, pointed it to the side and shot.

The flare, lying in the corner, looked like a firework or a sparkler.

Let's go quickly, it won't burn for too long.

Where to?

Lena pointed to the second door.
It wasn't hard to open it and we headed into the darkness...

...

I stumbled with every step, even fell down a couple of times, but didn't slow the pace.

~ If it goes out... ~

Thank God...

It turned out that we were right under the statue of Genda.
The grating was rather sturdy, but we managed to open it after breaking the screws with the flashlight.

That was terrible...

Lena sat next to me...

Just dreadful...

By that time I didn't give a damn about this world, the camp, the bus number 410, my previous life.
The strangest and nastiest thing was that there was nothing supernatural in those events.
Shurik just went crazy, insane. Nothing strange about it, I would have in his place too...

Lena patted my head tenderly and smiled.

I don't know... There is a crazy pioneer in the woods! You can say – a maniac killer!

I think he's gonna be alright.

Alright? I am not sure about that!

The most important thing is that we are okay.

She still smiled.

How can you be so calm?

I've told you before that I have nothing to be afraid of when I am with you.

Indeed. I might have saved Lena and myself back there.
But it was only by chance, nothing more.
If Shurik was more swift... Or more crazy...

Thanks for the compliment.

You're welcome.

Though we still should have stayed here in the first place.

You're probably right.

She said calmly.

I got really sleepy. Because of stress, of exhaustion, of late nighttime...
We should go to sleep.

~ But I had to stand up and walk to the leader's cabin... I wasn't ready for that. ~

My eyes closed just for a moment...

...

Now their light didn't seem to be so distant and cold, on the contrary, they twinkled to me, as if whispering among themselves, telling a merry fairy-tale in eager rivalry.
About a galaxy far far away and violet fluffy piglets, about mysterious asteroid belts where ships have disappeared, about fearless starship captain and his brave crew, about exceptional treasures and unreachable peaks of the planet on the edge of the universe...

~ I wonder, is that a dream? ~

Did I sleep long?

I asked in confusion, but didn't rush to get up.

I don't know. I don't have a watch.

She laughed.

Approximately!

Well. Maybe twenty minutes.

Ah... That's okay then.

I lied down again, feeling nice and calm like never before. The events of the night became distant as if I started to forget them, like the story the stars were telling me.

Shurik has come back.

What?!

I jumped on my feet instantly.

There he is, sleeping on the bench.

Lena pointed to the benches in surprise.

And what are you...

You slept so peacefully, that I didn't want to wake you up.

I felt fear, because such behaviour was not just strange, it was not inadequate. It scared me more than Shurik's insanity in the dungeon.
A lunatic, who tried to kill us half an hour ago passes, lies on a nearby bench and falls asleep and she just sits here?

Nothing to worry about, he just seemed to be a little off.

Lena got confused and blushed.

He walked unsteady and didn't look towards us. And if I made a noise...

She was about to cry.

Okay. Don't worry.

There was some logic in her words. She probably did the right thing.
In any case, we had to interrogate Shurik thoroughly.
I jumped up, walked fast to the bench, on which he slept, and slapped him.

He woke up at once.

What the hell?!

What are you doing, bastard?!

What?

Shurik stared at me with a scared and, moreover, sane look.

What was that all about down there?!

What, where?

In the dungeon, in the mine, in the bomb-shelter! Did you go completely nuts?

I don't understand you...

He looked around.

Why am I here?

And where should you be in your opinion?! Oh, well, I know – you should be in the asylum!

I went to the old camp in the morning for the spare parts and then...

Don't you remember anything after that?

Lena asked after walking to us.

Yes, and I...

Don't pretend.

I said calmly and sat next to him.
It really looked like he didn't lie though.

I don't understand anything... It is unscientific!

Who cares. Don’t you think that I trust you.

Memory loss can't occur just...

Shurik talked to himself, mumbled something, not paying us any attention.

Let's go.

Lena said quietly.

Shall we just leave him here?

He is not in his right mind, he has to sleep.

It is dangerous to leave this psycho alone! He may strangle Electronik with an induction coil in the night!

It’s going to be alright. Trust me.

I had no reasons not to trust her.
However, I didn't have reasons to trust her either.

Okay, what is going on? Are we still playing the same game? The writing is... not terrible since they returned to the surface.

~ On the other hand, who cares now. I wanted to fall asleep as quick as possible! ~

Okay...

We left Shurik, who still mumbled something to himself.

...

What? Where?

I have to go further.

Lena smiled.
I didn't think about anything all the way here, just followed her and hadn't noticed that we came to Olga Dmitrievna's cabin.

Yes...

Thank you... for today.

Nothing to thank me for. It is good we came back alive. We'll see what Shurik will say tomorrow!

Thanks anyway...

She said mysteriously and averted her eyes.

You're welcome.

Well, it's time for me to go!

Lena quickly turned around and walked fast in the direction of her cabin.
I suddenly got a thought that all of that was a bit off, not right.

~ After all that happened, just 'well, it's time for me to go'? ~
~ It usually works differently in such situations, doesn’t it? ~

Who are you and what have you done to Semyon? Did you make sure he wouldn't come back?

I had no idea what I expected though...
Exhaustion hit me again. I walked with difficulty and entered the cabin.

Semyon...

She started to talk sadly.

Where have you been?

Prepared for scolding I didn't expect that reaction.

I went to look for Shurik.

Alone?

Won't hurt telling the truth I guess.

No, with Lena.

So... What about Shurik?

It looked like Olga Dmitrievna was really worried about the fate of the lost pioneer.

~ What is so strange about it? ~
~ The leader can treat her work lightly, but it doesn't mean that she is a heartless person! ~

He is okay... As 'okay' as it could be in such a situation.

That's good. Go to sleep now.

She turned the light quickly, showing that the conversation is over and I couldn't ask anything.

~ Though should I? ~
~ Ask why she didn't scold me? ~

...

~ Still, Lena... ~
~ What happened today? ~

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

Start of Day 5 is the same as last time. We sit naked in some bushes perving on Alisa and Ulyana, then run away, mutilating our feet. Sitting on a stump, we wonder where to go next.

Since we went to the infirmary last time, let's try the cantine now. Leaving bloody footprints is nothing we can't handle.

I was always taking a good care of my health. And even a better care at the moments when I couldn't bear it anymore.
And now I was able to walk and my feet weren't even hurting much.
So my feet will heal up eventually while hunger drives the wolf from the wood.

~ Sure pioneers didn’t finish up everything! ~
~ At least a pair of sausages, eggs or few pieces of bread at the worst case should be left! ~

Isn't it here where every pioneer seeks his happiness three times a day (and some even more often), isn't it an oasis of this heated summer desert, isn't it a secret chemical lab studying how types of meal unknown to science affect immature teenage bodies?
Now this building looked more like a bastion abandoned by its defenders, a kind of La Rochelle left by the Huguenots.
Just get in and ghosts of warriors who accepted heroic death here will encircle you...

It was just completely empty, except for... Miku, who was cleaning a table.
Seeing that I quickly turned around and tried to run sneakily but didn't manage to do that...

I don't even care. I still have her song playing in my head. Rape my ears again, please.

Umm, hi... Well I... Yes, just came... Thinking if there is anything left maybe...

And there is nothing left! You need to wait for lunch! You won't help me by the way? I'm cleaning here up...

And what for?

What do you mean?

She puffed up her lips and seemed offended.

Somebody has to clean up! We do it by turns. There will be your turn as well!

~ Thanks, but nope... ~

Ok, got it...

I was going to leave, but Miku still couldn't stop.

So will you help me?

Let's agree and be done with it for future routes.

I don't know why I agreed.
It happens often that you make a decision first and then think for quite a while why did you say what you said.
You think again and again... And still can't figure it out, why on Earth you did that.
That's how I felt wiping the tables one after another.

~ Not eager at all. ~

Hmm, no...

She started to think.

It would be hard to sing and clean up at the same time… I'll sing it later then!

Miku made a disarming smile.

Yes, of course...

It's so cool how you saved Shurik yesterday! Entire camp talks only about this since the early morning!

~ Feeling just like a hero... ~

Nothing much really.

No, really, I'm serious! I would never dare to go into woods at night... into the the old camp... You know the talks around it? About a camp leader who shot herself...

~ Before they said she hung herself. ~

At least know your own fucking story...

Did hara-kiri with a kitchen knife. Next day that boy was hit by a bus!

And it's so scary in general!

Yep, probably it is.

I tried to isolate myself from external stimulus and concentrate on the cleaning.
It helped me to finish sooner than I expected.

And now it's done!

Thanks!

It was quite a bit of time until lunch so I decided to go for a walk.

It wasn't a surprise as the monument of Genda appeared to be a central place of this camp and a kind of Kilometre Zero...
I sat on the bench and started to think.

~ Four days have past and I didn't get even an inch closer to the clue of how did I get here. ~
~ It's right, that quite a few strange things happened during this time but almost every one of them can be explained logically after careful thinking. ~
~ Every single one of them could have happened in normal life... ~
~ Normal life. This term lost its initial meaning to me here. ~
~ Reactions to the environment, actions and words of other people or my own words – all of this isn't normal here indeed. ~

~ In the past four days my world view got a series of painful punches in the stomach and uppercuts which led to it being if not in knock-out then in a deep knock-down. ~
~ Sometimes I don't understand why I act one way or the other or say some things ~
~ Actually, I do understand, but not straight away. ~

~ Such afterthoughts however, don't help me to act differently, more sane, and according to the situation at all. ~
~ Moments of truth happening to me are more and more rare. ~
~ If my only wish during first day was getting out of here, then now my main concerns are where to find the food, how to avoid lineup in the morning and what to say to Olga Dmitrievna if Alisa complains about me... ~
~ And those things are truly important to me! ~

~ And day after day daily fuss like this overshadows thoughts in my head about the fact that world around me, together with this camp and girls, is being completely abnormal! ~
~ But I couldn't do anything with myself. Because I just forget... ~
~ In the way like we breath without thinking of it, I am joining everyday life of local inhabitants more and more without realizing it. ~
~ I'm becoming an average pioneer increasingly more... ~

No! This is wrong!

I shouted loud and slapped my face few times.

All of a sudden, the bell sound, calling the pioneers for the lunch, came from the loudspeakers.

Finally!

I ran skipping along to canteen leaving my inspirational thoughts back at the square where they could sound interesting to Genda only, and only if he was alive...

I'm pretty sure no one finds your thoughts 'interesting'.

We go to pick strawberries. We still go with Lena.

Spoiler

So, it was the harvest time.
Indeed, strawberry was delicious here.
I could probably eat it all if I wouldn't stop myself in time.

~ Despite being wild grown, the berries were close to garden ones in size and had a rich red color – so it was clear that our visit here wasn't in vain. ~

Lena followed me closely as we had only one basket for the both of us.
I felt like a real mushroom picker, examining each shrub and carefully pawing the grass.

Well, you're much better than me...

Am I? Frankly, I’m not even counting them.

Yeah, right you are!

The basket was already half-full.

You must be enjoy nature, right?

I am.

Bright Sun rays pierced the tree crowns and blinded me for a second.
I sat down on the ground and leaned to a tree.

Still, it's so beautiful here!

Lena sat down close to me. So close that our elbows touched.

Yeah!

We just sat and enjoyed the moment. Seemingly, the time stood still.
The wind gently shook the tree leaves, some bugs lazily hopped around the grass and the splashes of sunlight played on a faraway water surface.

I was slightly surprised at first but then I've heard her regular breathing and thought that it's a matter of course.
Probably she felt drowsy and wanted to take a quick nap.
I just sat there and haven't thought of anything for a few minutes.

But then the words started crossing my mind with an ultrasonic speed:

~ Lena. So close. Sleeping. So warm. So gentle. Feelings... ~

I've gazed upon her.
She had such a serene, such a tranquil look on her face that it seemed that right now she's not here, but in some kind of a better world.
Don’t know what would happen the next moment if it wasn't the voice of Slavya that I've heard.

Probably nothing, as usual.

Semyon! Lena!

I shook my head side-to-side a few times to come to my senses. Lena started to wake up.

Had any dreams?

Huh?

Suddenly understanding that she dozed off leaning on my shoulder, Lena blushed.

Oh... I'm sorry...

That's fine.

Slavya came to us and so Lena rushed to get up.

So how much you've got?

I've sighed.

That's not a lot...

Her basket was full of strawberries to the brim.

Well, it's enough anyway! It's time to get back!

I've grabbed the basket and we've headed back to the boat.

We then collect ingredients for the cake, cake incident happens and we go hiking - all the same shit as the last time. We end up on a log next to a bonfire and hear Alisa and Lena arguing.

Let's check this out. Again.

No, the fact that Alisa was having a quarrel with someone was a matter of course.
But Lena talking in louder tones...
I came closer carefully, trying to find out what was going on.

I'm not going to listen to anything!

Really? Great then!

Alisa turned away and met my sight.
At first she obviously was confused about what was going on, but then...

So, you are eavesdropping!

What? Me? No!

She started moving slowly towards me, and I made a few steps back.
Lena, however, kept standing at her place.

Well, okay then, listen!

Alisa stopped halfway and turned back to Lena.

By the way, did you know he was peeping on me today?

What?

Peeping. And he saw everything!

Is that... is that true?

Lena wrung her hands undesirably, gave me a short glance and started staring at the ground, as if she was cut off from this world.

No, no, nothing like that happened!

Having thrown an angry glance at Alisa, I came up to Lena.

Why do you say it didn't? I even have a witnesses!

Your witnesses are even worse than you!

So, you'll stick to the claim that it didn't happen?

I took a thought for a second.

~ But really, why do I have such a pathological desire to exonerate myself before Lena? As though I vitally need it, need her opinion of me to remain unchanged. ~
~ Though, how would I know what she has in mind? ~

It didn't happen!

Lena threw an ireful glance at Alisa and raised her eyes to me right after that, eyes full of discomfort and hope.
It suddenly became unbearable to stare in these eyes.

It didn't happen...

I repeated less confidently.

Well, whatever.

Alisa sneered behind me.

It's up you to decide who to trust.

I was feeling uncomfortable, like a fish out of water, I urged to end this as fast as possible.

~ And why should I excuse myself to her? ~

Well, what if it did happen?

I looked at Lena boldly, but noticed only a bright sunset gleam reflected in a tear which was going down her cheek.

No, I meant...

G fucking G.

You don't need to lie.

She wiped off her tears and tried to smile.

After all, it's not of my business.

No, why isn't it...

~ But why is it? ~

It's just that I... Well... It was an accident, get it? An accident which was provoked by Ulyana, nothing more.

Yeah, sure...

It's true!

I believe you.

Lena was saying that all with absolutely no emotion, like she completely didn't care about what was going on.
I was almost about to believe it, but tears a few seconds ago...

It seems to me that you don't.

What is it, some kind of a game?

Lena said quietly, but there were some bits of anger in her tone.

You really have a necessity to convince me in that? And even if I would believe you, what then? Would it all become true?

I'm not trying to convince you in anything, I just want you to understand that I'm not guilty... and didn't want to...

Lena shouted.
I was standing with my back to the bonfire, but I was sure that all the pioneers had turned in our direction.

If you want to peep at someone – do it! Do what you want to! But why do you bother me?

I'm not...

But really, from any point of view, it looked that way – I am trying to excuse myself to Lena with no success. Like a guilty child, or maybe even like a husband who made a slip...

Just so you know! I don't care!

Lena turned away and headed to the camp in a fast walk.
I didn't try to stop her – now it certainly wasn't the best solution.
She's on the edge, no convincement or appealing to reason could help.

~ Since when is she like that? Screaming that way, getting mad?.. ~

Having these thoughts in mind, I returned to the bonfire and sat down on a wood log.

...

So?

Alisa asked after seating herself nearby.

What?

Not much of a success, huh?

As you see...

I growled out while picking the coals with a stick.
It grew completely dark, the glade plunged in murk.
The surrounding landscape was reminding of a picture from a child book about a wood monster – an unknown forest creature is just about to spring out from behind the tree; Predacious owls honk menacingly in tree branches, even mice looking out from snags stare at you with distrust.

I was not afraid at that moment. Everything was different from the previous day when I was in the old camp in the dungeon...
The Moon was shining brightly, paying a close attention to our brave troop. The world was sleeping, waiting for the morning, bathing in the moonlight.

As I thought. Though it was expected.

But why...

I finally managed to pick up the largest burning log and throw it into the center of the fire causing the flames rising about a meter high and a sparks vortex spread out in all directions.

Does Lena oftenly behave like that?

How?

Screams at others. Could not believe she could act in such way.

She is a human, like all others.

Alisa giggled.

As if you haven't noticed this before.

What haven't I noticed?

Her.

What do you mean?

I mean this is her true face.

What do you mean 'true face'.

Oh, you’re so stupid!

Finish, since you've started.

She is not what she seems like, not what you’ve thought of her before.

So what is she?

Fucking dragon, you moron. Can't you use your goddamn brain for once?

Okay, I'm sick of it...

Alisa stood up and intended to leave.
I didn't say anything, just sat and listened to the silence of the forest.

By the way, if you want to follow her, I think she's on the island.

On what island?

The one where you were gathering strawberries today.

And what is she doing there?

Ugh, you really are an idiot!

I must have really lost the track.
My head was completely empty.
More precisely, there was no space left inside for the deployment of ideas.
If in the best times my mind works like an express highway, where millions of thoughts are racing, competing with each other, speeding, cutting each other up, crashing – now it is no more than a humble byway, lost in the bosom of the forest, used only in a case of emergency.
I tried to think over what had happened, analyze it somehow, but seemed I was bashing on the invisible wall.
Moreover, it was impossible for me to find a single emotion in my soul, any response. As if it all happened, just not to me.

I failed to convince Lena that I'm not guilty. Should I care?
Lena cried, screamed, and then left. So what?
I don't feel anything about it. Should I?
I bit my lip to the blood and stood up.
I couldn't bear staying here among laughing pioneers.

~ I should run away. Does not matter where to. To the forest, to the mine, even to space. I don't care. Just so I can be far away from here. ~

I seized a moment when the camp leader looked in other direction and vanished in forest shadows.

Hopw roewur ne

~ However, I'm not sure whether there are rains here at all. ~
~ What a stupid idea, certainly there are. The plants need some wet. ~

The night was fresher than the afternoon, but the air still had no time to cool. I felt myself a little dizzy from the evening stuffiness.
Suddenly, I realized that I really want to swim.
It's a quiet normal desire because the days were hot and you constantly filled soaked with sweat during the day time.

Why not to the beach?
Thoughts about Lena came over me again. Everything that I tried to ignore came out and brought lots of inconvenient questions, inappropriate answers, and vague desires.
It was obvious that I have been led to the pier by my subconscious.

~ But what do I really want? ~
~ To apologize to her for something, to convince her of something? No, unlikely. ~

I just wanted to get some sort of reaction from her. Wanted her to say 'Yes, I understand everything' and just smile.
And then I would stop feeling myself like that...
It was necessary for me to be understood by someone, even in this world.
I untied a boat, pushed it into water, got in and took up the paddles.

...

It was easier to row this time – my hands were still hurting, but I managed to develop some sort of technique that allowed me to sail quite directly.
The river seemed frozen, spreading under the boat as a translucent veil.
The moonlight was piercing deep into the water, so it was almost possible to see the bottom.
I started rowing.

...

Here usually everything is different. After dusk it felt like another world, a mystery world. Scary at times, but beautiful in its own way. A world of shadows and whispers, a Nocturnal world.
I was slowly walking around the island, looking for a boat which Lena took to come here.
The grass was softly rustling under my feet, the rare waves were peacefully hitting the shore and bouncing back as if they were blackflies too tired of beating on the glass.
The breeze from the water was lazily stirring the leaves of the trees, rather out of a habit than really wanting to make the night grove sing.

- BUMP -

I looked with delight at this wonderful picture and didn't notice how I rushed into something.
It was a boat.

~ Well it's no wonder – she wouldn’t get here by swimming. ~

I headed to the center of the island.

...

After a hundred of meters I heard a rustling behind the tree.

Lena wispered.

...

I hesitated.

Don't come closer.

She said louder.

How do you know it's me?

Though she didn’t say that she knew that.

Alright...

Alisa told me that you could be here.

So what?

It was difficult for me to know what emotions experienced Lena.
Her voice was steady enough; even though I could read irritation and annoyance in it, I could not understand – whether she was angry, whether it was all the same to her.

That all came out awkward.

I did my best to avoid unnecessary apologies and excuses, but didn't find other words instead.

Was it the only reason for you to come?

No... Well, I don't know.

You don't know, but you still came?

Yes.

You shouldn't have.

Why? Of course, if I'm bothering you...

Why are you following me?

I...

And she was right – it looked that way. Moreover, I felt definitely attracted to her.

You should not think like this.

How should I think?

I don't know.

I only draw conclusions according to your behavior.

I really don't know... I guess I better go.

I was confused, and it was hard just to be around her.

Why? Since you came...

It seemed I herd playful tones in her voice.

Alright.

And?

What?

What have Alisa told you?

Nothing special.

I see.

Yeah.

Well then.

Yep...

We just kept silent for a while.

Tell me about something, since you came.

Well, I don't know...

For example, about what happened in the morning.

But what happened in the morning?

You know.

You yourself didn't want to talk about it.

Didn't want to, but now I want to!

Lena's voice trembled.
I completely stopped understanding what was happening.

~ Maybe it's not her behind the tree? ~

Don't look!

Okay-Okay... But what's wrong?

Nothing. Just don't look.

Alright, as you wish.

So, nothing happened?

Well, something did... But all that was just a silly accident!

Then why are you so worried about what I'll think about it?

I'm not worried! And anyway, you yourself!

I said louder, beginning to feel irritated.

What about me?

Why are you so concerned about this situation?

Who told you that I'm concerned about this situation?

Then what?

Nothing...

She said in a whisper and fell silent.
Such talk would lead us to nowhere.

~ Lena does not say anything, and I seem to be too stupid to guess, or even just to be sure about myself. ~

Sorry, I guess it’s all my fault. I just cannot understand...

Why...

What?

Why do you keep apologizing? For everything. For what you did, for what you are going to do, even for what you haven't done yet.

But...

Maybe she was right, but I could not behave differently. I felt the need to apologize to her, to everyone.
So they would not consider me bad, wouldn’t laugh at me. So I can put away something unsaid and eliminate misunderstandings.

Anyway, it's your business!

Lena got angry.

Apologize, make excuses! Why should I care...

Okay, well, I'm not guilty! In fact, I don't think I could be blamed for something, but then what's wrong? What is wrong with you?

Why is something wrong with me?

I don’t know... I just think so.

Ah! You just think so!

She laughed.

You speak as if you know me.

...

I did not answer.

Please leave...

Lena said after a while.

I didn’t move, just could not, had no strength.
I wanted nothing at that point – didn’t want to excuse myself, to apologize. I didn't even want her understanding.
I was too tired of everything.

Why?

Just leave...

She whispered.

I don't want to.

Then I'll leave.

Let's just go together.

no.

How long are you going to be offended? By what? What’s wrong with you? Everyone here behaves normally, except you.

I did not care what my words mean. As if they had been said by someone else and the topic of conversation meant nothing.

You really don’t understand anything. Alisa was right.

About what?

Nevermind...

~ No, I can not go so. I do not understand, do not know what to think, what to do. ~
~ And since when did I stop worrying about my situation in this world, or worrying how to get back? ~
~ Since when the only thing I could think about is Lena, or how others will look at me or how my actions looked from the other side? ~
~ It's just stupid and it's not like me, in fact, it's inappropriate in this situation. ~

In short, I didn't do anything and don't intend to justify things which I didn't do!

There was no reply.

Hey! Do you here me?

~ So she left! ~

I rushed over to Lena's boat, but she was already far away, almost near the pier.

Whatever!

I shouted and walked along the shore.

...

However, hands still ached terribly, and eyes were closing themselves.
Probably, such physical and, more importantly, emotional load is too much for one person.
I walked slowly towards the camp leader's cabin, staring down at my feet and thinking about nothing.

Hey!

Have you been on the island.

Yes...

To tell the truth, I didn't want to talk to her about anything, but I already had no strength to lie to her.

And how did it go?

Doesn't matter... I'm very tired and I'm going to sleep.

Come on, tell me!

Her face had such a nasty grimace that I was shuddered with rage.

Why should you care?!

Well, I just...

She murmured in dismay.

Go where you’re going!

I snapped, and quickened my pace toward the cabins.
Alisa did not try to stop me.

~ What if I lost it? ~

The only thing I could do was to wait.
I plopped down into a deck chair and closed my eyes.

From time to time I had a feeling that I’m already dead (Just without realizing it) and was thrown into hell.

~ But really, instead of trying to get out of here, I'm spinning on a diabolic roundabout and it goes faster and faster. I become more and more involved in the life of this world, of this camp. ~

As if there was no past life – the real one.
As if I always interested in opinion of others...

~ Damn! I never cared about it! ~
~ Why right here? Why right now? ~

~ Yeah, probably not the opinions of others, but her opinion was the one I cared about... ~

She looked at me for a few seconds. Seemed like she was about to say something, but then just sighed, opened the door with her key and went in.
I followed her.

So long that after some moment I could not realize where I am and what's happening to me.